Simon Martin Awarded MBE in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours

We are thrilled to share that Simon Martin, Senior Leader at ATTFE College, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for his outstanding Services to Further Education.

Simon, who also serves as the Safeguarding Lead across ATTFE College’s Sutton-in-Ashfield and Ollerton campuses, has been recognised not just for his individual dedication but for his leadership in driving impactful, community-based learning.

In his characteristically humble style, Simon dedicated the award to his colleagues and the wider ATTFE community:

“I am humbled that our many years of providing community learning to those who need it most has been rewarded in this way.

In receiving this award, I recognise that I am but a representative of the large team of peerless colleagues whose commitment has made our achievements possible. I hold it and carry it on behalf of everybody.

It is also a fitting reflection upon the outstanding work of ATTFE College in its communities and beyond. I will work hard to prove myself worthy of this recognition as part of our ongoing collective endeavour.”

Simon continues to lead vital work at ATTFE College, particularly in shaping its growing role within the newly formed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), where adult learning and skills development are at the heart of regional transformation.

His distinguished career in education includes serving as Headteacher and Principal at Sutton Centre Community College/Sutton Community Academy, where he led the school’s successful transition to academy status under Academy Transformation Trust. He later became the Trust’s national Director of Further Education.

Beyond ATTFE College, Simon actively supports education and community development through a range of voluntary roles. He is Chair of Governors at Croft Primary School in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Vice-Chair at South Wolds Academy in Keyworth, and Vice-Chair of HOLEX — the national membership body for Adult and Community Education. He also serves as a Director and Company Secretary for several local charities and CICs, including Takeover Radio 106.9FM and Let’s All Eat.

We are incredibly proud of Simon and grateful for the passion, leadership, and heart he brings to ATTFE College and the communities we serve.

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