Teachers, foster carers and youth workers are among the 84 people recognised for their contribution to education, care and driving social mobility in the New Year's Honours List 2020.
The list includes headteachers, governors, teachers, social workers, foster carers, and those who work in adoption and early years.
Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said:
Teachers, foster carers and all those who work with young people have a truly life changing impact, and I congratulate all who have received an award in the New Year's Honours List.
This list highlights just some of the many committed professionals and volunteers who work tirelessly across education and children's services to deliver better outcomes for young people and students across the country, and I want to personally thank them for their dedication.
Among the recipients is Dr Caroline Allen, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust, who has been made a Dame to honour her commitment to transforming the lives of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Other recipients who have worked to help children with SEND and their families include Claire Pashley, a special educational needs music teacher, Brian Smith, teacher and founder of R.E.A.L Education and Katharine Fisher, founder of Little Discoverers, which supports children with disabilities and their families.
Three individuals - Dominique Unsworth, Francis Clayton and Elaine Billington - have been awarded MBEs for services to apprenticeships and Louise Proctor, head of the National Careers Service, has been awarded an OBE for her services to education and careers.
Jonathan Slater, Department for Education Permanent Secretary, said:
Congratulations to all those who have received an award in the New Year's Honours List, particularly those who have been recognised for their achievements in education, children's service, or increasing social mobility.
It's important that people nominate that amazing person in their life who goes above and beyond so we can celebrate their achievements.
Nominating someone for an award
If you know someone working to improve education, children's services, or social mobility who deserves an honour, please contact the Honours Team at
