157 Group congratulates New Year honours list members

The 157 Group, a membership organisation representing 28 large FE colleges in England, has congratulated four of its members for being recognised in the New Year honours list.

Former AoC President Pat Bacon, principal of St Helens College, was made a dame and joined three other staff members from 157 Group member colleges to receive awards for their services to education.

Retired Chichester College principal Richard Parker was appointed CBE. Teresa Esan and Helen Sage, City and Islington College’s director of employability and employer engagement and former City of Bristol College programme co-ordinator, respectively, were both appointed MBE.

“I would like to congratulate wholeheartedly the outstanding individuals within our membership who were acknowledged by the government for their contribution to education,” said Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the 157 Group.

“These awards pay testament to the remarkable work of staff at all levels within our colleges. The Orders reflect the passion and commitment of the recipients in championing learning for all age groups and acknowledge the significance of further education in the improvement of society in general.”

Frank McLoughlin, chair of the 157 Group, said: “We are delighted that the hard work and efforts of staff in the FE sector have been recognised.

“I would like to personally congratulate my own member of staff, Teresa, for her outstanding contribution to the college and the wider community, as well as Pat Bacon and Richard Parker, who thoroughly deserve to receive honours as fantastic principals.

“These honours reinforce the commitment of staff in the FE sector and the vital role they play in making education accessible for all. The 157 Group is pleased to kick-start the New Year in such a positive light.”

Susannah Fairbairn