Bradford College

Principal Receives OBE from Prince Charles

Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive, Michele Sutton, was presented with an OBE by Prince Charles at a special investiture held at Buckingham Palace on Friday 10 July.

Mrs Sutton was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for her services to Further Education and Community Relations.

Mrs Sutton, whose career in the education sector started nearly thirty years ago, was selected for the award in recognition of her long-standing 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.

Responding to the award, Michele Sutton said: “I was truly amazed to be awarded an OBE. It 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.”

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

An 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.”  

In November 2008, Bradford College won a national award 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.