Principal, Anna Dawe, Awarded OBE in King’s New Year Honours

We are proud to announce that our Principal, Anna Dawe, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours, in recognition of her outstanding services to further education, skills and the communities the college serves.

Since her appointment as Principal, Anna Dawe has led us through a period of significant transformation and growth. Under her leadership, the college has strengthened its reputation for high-quality teaching and learning, expanded technical and professional pathways, and deepened partnerships with employers to ensure students develop the skills needed to succeed in the local and regional economy.

Anna has been instrumental in driving major investment in the college’s estates and facilities, including ambitious redevelopment projects that create modern, inclusive and sustainable learning environments. Her strategic focus on skills for growth has supported key sectors such as engineering, construction, health and digital, aligning provision closely with employer need and regional priorities.

A passionate advocate for opportunity and social mobility, Anna has championed widening participation and student support, ensuring students of all backgrounds can access education, progress and thrive. Her commitment to inclusion, student experience and staff development has helped foster a strong, values-led culture across the college.

The award also recognises Anna’s wider contribution to the further education sector, where she is respected as a collaborative leader, working with partners, stakeholders and policymakers to champion the vital role of colleges in economic regeneration and community wellbeing.

Commenting on the honour, Andrea Ferguson, Chair of the Governing Board, said “This is a richly deserved recognition of Anna’s exceptional leadership and her tireless commitment to students, staff and the wider community. The Governing Board is immensely proud of what Anna has achieved at Wigan & Leigh College and the positive impact of her work locally and beyond.”

Anna Dawe said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. It reflects the collective effort of an incredible team of staff, governors, students and partners who share a belief in the power of education to change lives. I am proud to lead Wigan & Leigh College and to serve the communities we work with every day.”

We extend our warmest congratulations to Anna Dawe on this prestigious national honour.