Ruth Kennell

Ruth Kennell DL was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Oxfordshire in 2026 and is part of the Lieutenancy team focused on South Oxfordshire.

Ruth began her professional career in education as a Modern Languages teacher in Leeds, where she developed a passion for inspiring young people through language learning and cultural understanding. Her commitment and leadership within education saw her progress to become Head of Spanish, a role in which she was recognised for her dedication to both academic excellence and student development.

Ruth moved to Oxfordshire in 1995 when she married her husband Richard and continued her teaching career in local schools. In 1997, Ruth became Professional Tutor at Wheatley Park School, where she oversaw the development and training of trainee teachers and newly qualified teachers. It was a role through which Ruth further developed her own leadership, mentoring and pastoral skills, helping to shape and support the next generation of educators.

In 2000, Ruth made the life-changing decision to leave teaching in order to become the adoptive mother of three children. The experience shaped the next chapter of her professional and personal life, leading her to specialise in trauma and attachment, with a particular focus on supporting children and families facing complex challenges.

Building on this work, Ruth and her husband co-founded SOFEA in 2013, a charity dedicated to supporting disadvantaged young people into employment, education and training. Through mentoring, skills development and community partnerships, SOFEA has worked to create opportunities and improve outcomes for young people who may otherwise face significant barriers.

Ruth is currently the Director of Pathway at SOFEA, overseeing young people on sites in Dicot and Milton Keynes.