Keith Blackwell, Principal of Esher College, was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List, in recognition of his services to local and national Further Education. Keith qualified as a teacher 26 years ago and worked at a comprehensive school in Dorset and at two sixth form colleges in Hampshire, before taking the post of Principal at Esher College 11 years ago. 

During this time Keith has become increasingly involved in representing the interests of sixth form colleges at a local and regional level, including board membership of Surrey Learning & Skills Council and South East Region Planning and Development committees. 

“In recent years, I have been invited to contribute to the national arena by advising the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families), ministers and politicians, through my involvement with the Association of Colleges.”

“I have met with DCSF officials and others charged with developing education strategy to provide a view point and advice on behalf of sixth form colleges.  In the Further Education world, the large colleges have a different remit to those like Esher; they are linked more to employers and focus on getting people into jobs, whereas we are focused on getting our students through their examinations and into university”.

Keith discovered he has been awarded the OBE when he looked on the internet shortly after midnight on New Year’s Eve.  “I was stunned”, he said “it is not only a great honour for me, but the College as well and all my colleagues.  My contribution to developments in Further Education has only been possible because of the great staff that I work with; I am totally indebted to them”.