Redruth Charity Trust is delighted to share that Professor Sir Peter Rubin, a proud Redruth native, has committed his support to the Fred Harris Education Awards through a significant regular donation, enabling increased access to books for Key Stage 2 pupils across the district.
His commitment will greatly expand the Trust’s award fund, which provides books to ten primary schools in the district, benefiting more than 2,000 children and helping to inspire a love of reading at a crucial stage in their education.
Sir Peter approached the Trust to offer his support, reflecting his strong connection to Redruth and his belief in the power of education to shape future opportunities.
Born in Cornwall in 1948, Sir Peter Rubin enjoyed what he describes as an idyllic childhood in Redruth. Educated at East End Primary School and Redruth Grammar School, he went on to become the first in his family to attend university, studying medicine at Cambridge and Oxford before building a distinguished career in clinical pharmacology and medical education.
He was appointed Professor of Therapeutics at the University of Nottingham and went on to serve as Dean of Nottingham Medical School, leading the development of a new graduate-entry medical school. At national level, he played a significant role in shaping medical education and standards, including serving as Chair of the General Medical Council, the body responsible for regulating the medical profession in the UK. He was awarded a knighthood in 2010 for services to medicine.
Reflecting on his support for the Awards, Sir Peter said:
“I am living proof of the transforming power of education. I grew up in Redruth in a family that was loving and supportive but barely knew what a University was. It was my great good fortune to benefit from the encouragement of teachers, first at East End Primary and then Redruth Grammar School. Michael Shaw (Chemistry) and Tom Browne (Latin) in particular opened my eyes to horizons I never knew existed. It is a pleasure now to help in a small way to encourage others along their educational journey.”
Redruth Charity Trust Chair of Trustees, Chris Hailey, said:
“Sir Peter’s generous support means a great deal to us as a Trust and as a town. We are proud of his achievements and all he has gone on to accomplish. It is especially meaningful that he has chosen to support the Trust in this way, helping young people in Redruth at such an important stage in their education, and will significantly enhance what we are able to do for our schools each year.”
The Fred Harris Education Awards have been a cornerstone of the Trust’s work since 2005, when its support expanded to include the ten junior schools across the TR15 and TR16 area. Named in honour of Mr F. L. Harris, who dedicated his life to education and served the Trust as both Chairman and Secretary between 1947 and 1990, the scheme has seen more than £55,000 invested into local primary schools to date. Notably, Mr Harris was Chair of Governors at Redruth Grammar School during the time Sir Peter Rubin was Head Boy.
Each year, the Trust makes awards to the ten schools, relative to pupil numbers, to support their Key Stage 2 library provision. During the summer term, schools are also invited to nominate a Year 6 pupil who demonstrates the Trust’s motto, ‘Making a Difference in Redruth’, through a positive approach to school life and consistent effort across both academic work and extracurricular activities. Trustees attend the schools’ end of year ceremonies in July to present these awards in person.
Sir Peter’s support will ensure that even more children can access high-quality books, strengthening literacy across the Redruth community for years to come.
Full details of Redruth Charity Trust’s Fred Harris Education Awards are here: https://www.redruthcharitytrust.org.uk/education/