SCHOOL is about more than just studying for exams. It’s a chance to learn about life, society and world affairs.

That’s the way pupil support worker Joe Herd sees education – and his efforts to give every child the best life chances at St Luke’s High School, in Barrhead, has now been rewarded with a MBE from the Queen.

Mr Herd is the head of social justice and community at the school in Springfield Road and aims to offer guidance to pupils on a range of social and cultural issues they may come across inside and outside of the classroom.

The 58-year-old, from Kilmaurs, in East Ayrshire, said around one in three children in every class will be living in poverty – and he is just trying his best to make a difference.

The dad-of-two, who was honoured for services to community cohesion, education and charity, said: “Getting the MBE is something which no-one expects. It’s a crazy thing.

“We live in a very rich country. We spend millions on weapons of mass destruction, yet in every class one in three children will be living in poverty. 

“All that me and my colleagues want to do is to try to chip away at that and do our best to change things.

“I try to bring some value to what already happens inside the classroom.”

Mr Herd, who has worked at St Luke’s for 13 years, has worked with pupils on a variety of initiatives relating to anti-sectarianism, alcohol and drugs, mental health and leadership skills.

He previously worked as a manager for Castlemilk Youth Complex, in Glasgow, for about eight years, after working in local government in community learning and development.

Mr Herd added: “I believe the best way out of poverty for a lot of children is a good education.

“I will keep trying to give kids the best life chances.”