Hull College vice principal awarded MBE

An education leader has spoken of how “immensely proud” and “incredibly humbled” she is after being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Catherine Sykes, vice principal of governance and compliance at Hull College, has been awarded an MBE for services to education.

The honour recognises more than a decade of work supporting educational improvement, including her role in helping transform Hull College’s governance and contributing to best practice across the further education sector.

A national leader of governance for the Department for Education, Catherine supports boards and governance professionals across England. 

She has also gained recognition for her work promoting the ethical use of artificial intelligence in governance, helping organisations modernise decision-making while maintaining accountability and transparency.

Alongside her professional responsibilities, she has played an active role in supporting communities across Hull and East Yorkshire through charitable and voluntary work.

Her commitments include serving as a trustee of the HEY Smile Foundation and chair of Friends of Newport School, while also helping deliver the International Youth Championships at Bishop Burton College, creating opportunities for young people through sport.

Widely regarded as one of the leading governance professionals in the education sector, Catherine has also received national recognition for her work in governance and AI leadership.

She said: “Receiving news of this honour was completely unexpected and incredibly humbling.

“I am both deeply honoured and immensely proud to be recognised in this way.

“Education has the power to transform lives, and I have been fortunate throughout my career to work alongside people who are passionate about creating opportunities for others.

“While this honour bears my name, it reflects the collective efforts of so many people who have supported and inspired me along the way.

“From my colleagues at Hull College and across the Further Education sector to the communities and organisations I have had the privilege to serve, I am grateful for every opportunity to contribute.

“I remain passionate about championing excellence in governance, embracing innovation responsibly, and ensuring education continues to create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.”

Debra Gray CBE, chief executive and principal of Hull College, added: “Everyone at Hull College is absolutely delighted that Catherine has received this richly deserved honour.

“Catherine is an exceptional leader whose expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to education have had a profound impact, not only on Hull College but on the wider further education sector nationally.

“Her leadership has been instrumental in strengthening governance at Hull College and supporting our transformation journey.

“Catherine consistently demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, innovation, and public service, and this recognition is a fitting tribute to her outstanding contribution to the education sector and her wider community.”

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