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College leaders and AoC Director recognised in Birthday Honours

13 June 2025

Catherine Sezen 4

Responding to AoC Director of Education Policy Catherine Sezen being appointed MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours, AoC Chief Executive David Hughes said: “Catherine Sezen’s recognition in today’s Honours List shows the huge impact her work has had on the sector. For years now, she has tirelessly campaigned on behalf of colleges, banging the drum for fairer funding, as well as curriculum reform that recognises the unique student cohort in FE and the constantly changing demands on colleges.”

A significant number of college leaders and staff will also receive Honours, today’s list has revealed. David Hughes added: “I am delighted to see so many FE leaders recognised. Colleges sit right at the heart of their communities and are essential drivers of growth, as well as beacons of hope and opportunity for learners of all ages. The college leaders and staff in today’s list embody this perfectly, and their Honours are well deserved.”

Catherine Sezen, Director of Education Policy, said: “I am delighted and humbled. This is recognition of the hard work of the team I work within, as well as the college staff we engage with daily and who provide us with the evidence we need to speak out on their behalf. It makes me very proud to represent the views of this incredible sector.”

A full A-Z of further education can be found here, and a cheat sheet of key policies and issues in FE can be found here.