Duke hands OBE to the principal of New College

THE principal of Huddersfield New College has been awarded the OBE for services to education.

Angela Williams, the longstanding head of the college in New Hey Road, was formally awarded the honour by the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William, at Buckingham Palace last Friday.

The award was made in recognition of Angela’s leadership, described as ‘exemplary’ by Ofsted.

Angela, who attended the ceremony with her three children and her parents, said: “It was a huge surprise to be nominated, and I am extremely proud and humbled to have received such a prestigious honour.

“It was an absolute honour to meet the Duke of Cambridge. I would like to thank everyone who supported my nomination.”

The college said the CEO of the Sixth Form College Association, Bill Watkin, had described it as one the ‘top performing colleges’ in the post 16 sector.

It said the OBE also recognised Angela’s work to support other colleges in developing their offer for children and young people.

She is director of two local co-operative trusts and a founding member of the Collaborative Learning Forum which brings together the three colleges in Kirklees.

She is co-chairwoman of Norvic (the Yorkshire and Humber collaboration of Sixth Form Colleges) and is a member of the Sixth Form College Association Council.

Linda Summers, the college’s chair of governors, said: “I am sure that I speak on behalf of everyone when I take this opportunity to again thank Angela for being the inspiration and driving force which makes Huddersfield New College so successful, and which enables so many young people to unlock and to achieve their full potential.

“What a wonderful early Christmas gift for Angela and her family to have her lifelong commitment and contribution to state education recognised by this much-deserved award.”