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National education champion gains royal recognition

Local businessman, national education champion, husband and father of four, Les Walton, received high recognition for his contribution to the education sector when he received a CBE from HRH Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace.

He was awarded the CBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2013 in recognition of his services to education, latterly as Chair of the Young People’s Learning Agency, the government body responsible for funding education for 16-19 year olds.

He adds this to his existing OBE, also for services to education, following his role at Norham Community Technology College as headteacher in the 1990s.

Les, who lives in Jesmond, has spent over 45 years in education, where his focus has always been on the development of the personal and social education of young people. He has a reputation for bold, innovative child-centric thinking and is highly regarded for his vision and leadership within the sector.

Speaking about the award, he said:

“It gives me great pleasure to accept this award for doing something which I so passionately believe in, which is helping young people to fulfil their potential. It is also due recognition for the tremendous work my Northern Education colleagues do for young people within the northern region. With my family also there to support me, the day couldn’t have been better.”

Away from education, Mr Walton chairs the charity Coping with Cancer and is also chair of the North Tyneside Chamber of Commerce.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mandy Peel .