Bradford College

Principal Awarded OBE

Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive, Michele Sutton, has been awarded an OBE for her outstanding contribution to Further Education and Community Relations in the New Year's Honours list.

Mrs Sutton, whose career in the education sector started nearly thirty years ago, was selected for the award in recognition of her longstanding contribution to the education of young people and adults and her service to the community.

Throughout her time in Further and Higher Education, Mrs Sutton has worked in a variety of settings.  She has served in inner city colleges in Birmingham, Manchester, Rochdale and Bradford.   Her work with diverse communities in Birmingham after the riots of 1981 and 1984, and in Bradford over the past five years, were particularly reflected in the award of the OBE, which recognises achievement or service to the community.

Commenting on receiving the prestigious award, Michele Sutton modestly said: “I am truly, truly amazed by this award which is less of a reflection of my contribution as that of my staff, governors and students in delivering outstanding results for all of our communities.  It is also testament to the power of further education to supporting social cohesion, sustainable communities and economic regeneration.”

Paying tribute to Michele, Bradford College Chair of Corporation, Mr Richard Wightman said:  “Michele richly deserves this award.  Our College has seen fantastic progress over the past four years under her exceptional leadership.”

A recent Ofsted Inspection Report published in November 2008 described Michele Sutton as an “Inspirational leader who, with the support of governors and senior managers has changed the College’s culture and core values to be more learner focussed.”  

Under Michele’s inspirational leadership, Bradford College has won a national award in November 2008 for its outstanding contribution towards equality and diversity in further education.   The Beacon Award recognised Bradford College’s innovative programme to embed equality and diversity in Bradford from 2004 to 2010.

Michele Sutton is Vice President for the Centre of Politics and Public Participation and also serves on the Local Strategic Partnership which is responsible for bringing together public, private and voluntary sector organisations to improve public services across the city and wider region.  Michele joins an elite group of Principals who have received similar honours. She is due to be bestowed at a special investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace later in 2009.

Find out more about Michele Sutton's remarkable and inspirational career to date…