A senior figure in the UK's education sector from Teddington, Ruth Fenton, has received national recognition through Acquisitions International's 2026 Influential Businesswoman Awards, where she was named Language Education Industry Veteran of the Year (UK) and received the Leadership Dedication & Resilience Award.

Ruth is the founder and director of Stafford House Study Holidays, an international education organisation established in 1994 that delivers English language study programmes for young people across 45 nationalities in Cambridge, Canterbury, London, San Francisco and Boston.

Over the past 30 years, the organisation has built a strong global reputation for high‑quality teaching and immersive learning.

The award recognises Ruth's sustained contribution to the language education sector and her commitment to delivering positive learning outcomes for students from around the world.

As founder‑director, she has overseen the strategic development of Stafford House Study Holidays while adapting to major shifts in international education, travel and student mobility.

Commenting on the recognition, Ruth highlighted the importance of resilience and trust in building a long‑lasting education organisation.

She said sustainability in the sector depends on "never promising what you cannot deliver" and maintaining strong, transparent relationships with partners, students and families.

Shining some more light on what these partnerships mean to her and the wider organisation, Ruth said:

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"Having repeat customers for over 30 years is something I am incredibly proud of and consider my greatest achievement in this industry."

Throughout her career, Ruth has also been a vocal advocate for greater representation of women in senior leadership roles within education.

"Drawing on her own experience, she has spoken about the progress made in accessibility and visibility, while acknowledging the ongoing need for inclusive workplaces and mentorship.

As a member of the senior leadership team within Stafford House Study Holidays and its parent organisation, CATS Global Schools, Ruth looks forward to continuing to grow and evolve the organisation, all while adapting its strategy and day-to-day operations to the changing needs of the industry.

This includes further digitisation of its operations, the development of new and engaging programme materials, and the integration of new technologies to enhance learning and the overall student experience.

Robert Niu, CEO of Cats Global Schools, said: "Ruth's unwavering commitment to excellence and her visionary leadership have set the standard for our organisation.

"Her dedication to fostering inclusive, high-quality educational experiences has not only shaped Stafford House Study Holidays but has inspired our team and students across the globe. We are immensely proud to celebrate her achievements."

Ruth added: "I'm incredibly honoured to receive this award. Building an organisation that has supported young people through international education for more than 30 years has only been possible thanks to the dedication of the teams I've worked with and the trust of our partners, students and families.

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"In an increasingly uncertain global context, international education plays a vital role in helping young people build confidence, independence and cultural understanding at an early stage, equipping them to navigate a complex and changing world.

"I've spent my career focused on ensuring those early experiences are meaningful, high‑quality and grounded in real learning."