Philip Augar has received a knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours list for services to higher and further education policy. Mr Augar chaired the review of post-18 education in England and prior to that was a non-executive board member at the Department for Education from 2004 to 2010.
He told Tes: “I was privileged to chair an outstanding panel and to be supported by a team of dedicated officials. This honour reflects their efforts and I hope that the report we produced will remain of value to everyone involved in the sector.”
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Also recognised in the honours list, published this evening, is Tes’ FE leader of year, Stuart Rimmer. Mr Rimmer is chief executive of East Coast College and has been awarded an MBE for services to education and the community in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief executives Sam Parrett, from London South East Colleges, and Shelagh Legrave, from Chichester College and the next FE commissioner, have both been made CBEs for services to education.
Mr Rimmer said: “It is a very great honour to be recognised in this way. Leading a college is a privilege and is very much a team effort. I am fortunate to work with some amazing staff who positively impact our students every day. I would very much like to pay tribute to the whole of our Team ECC. East Coast College has become a local and regional beacon of high-quality education and I am very proud of my contribution as part of that ongoing journey.”
Ms Parrett said: “I am overwhelmed to be recognised with such an honour. It has all come as a complete surprise and I am incredibly grateful.
“It reflects the huge amount of work and dedication many people have put in over the past few years - along with the great support I have received from local authorities and other partners who have put their confidence in my team and I to deliver.
“As a result, AP [alternative provision] and SEN [special educational needs] provision across London and the South East has been expanded and strengthened, meaning that more young people are getting the specialist education and support they need. Our college-led group structure is also facilitating progression, ensuring that our students have the best possible chances of moving on successfully into FE and employment.
“I thank every single member of my team who has supported me over the years - and, indeed, my incredibly supportive family. By providing high-quality education for people of all ages and backgrounds, they achieve their career goals and fulfil their potential.”
Ms Legrave added: “This is such an unexpected honour; I was so surprised when I heard. I feel really privileged to have been honoured again, after receiving an OBE in 2015 - I never thought this would happen.
“I absolutely love my job and to be recognised for doing something I love is extraordinary. I can’t quite put into words how it feels. I am simply thrilled.
“This comes at a time when I am preparing to leave Chichester College Group, which will be a huge wrench. I am so proud of everything we have achieved in my 11 years as principal and chief executive.
“To be judged as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for a second time last year was a moment I will never forget, and it was a fantastic recognition of everything we’ve done together, and our efforts to provide a first-class educational experience for our students.”
Michael Hopkins, chief executive of South and City College Birmingham, has been awarded an MBE for service to education, while Antony Jenkins, chair of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, has been made a CBE for services to business.
Mr Jenkins said: “I’m delighted and humbled by this recognition. It’s been a privilege to work with the committed and talented team and board of the institute on the vital work of building a quality skills system. I’m proud of the work we have done together.”
Catherine Dutton, chair of the Kendal College Corporation, has been recognised for services to education and training with an MBE, as has Martyn Featherstone, a lecturer at the Northern School of Art, Middlesbrough, who receives that honour for services to further education. Karen Moore, head of quality enhancement at North West Regional College in Northern Ireland, has also been honoured with the same award for services to education.
William Husband, a vocational qualifications officer with the Devon Army Cadet Force, receives a MBE for services to young people, and Gareth Jenkins, former managing director of FSG Tool and Die, has been awarded an CBE for services to manufacturing and apprenticeships.
