Catherine Sykes was instrumental in helping drive the college out of Government intervention
Catherine Sykes, Hull College’s vice principal governance and compliance has been awarded an MBE for her outstanding services to education.(Image: Hull College)
A respected education leader from Hull has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for her outstanding contribution to the sector. Catherine Sykes, who is vice principal governance and compliance at Hull College has been awarded an MBE.
The honour is said to mark Ms Sykes’ significant contribution to education over more than a decade, including her role in transforming Hull College’s governance, her national leadership in further education and her commitment to community and charitable causes in the region. The member of the Chartered Governance Institute played a key role in driving Hull College out of government intervention with governance now said to be one of its greatest strengths.
Ms Sykes has also served as a national leader of government for the Department for Education and has earned national recognition for ethical use of artificial intelligence in her work, helping organisations modernise decision-making while maintaining transparency, accountability, and public trust.
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.”
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms Sykes serves as a trustee of the HEY Smile Foundation which helps to improve opportunities and outcomes for communities across Hull and East Yorkshire, and she is chair of Friends of Newport School, supporting educational and community activities in her local area. She also has involvement in sport as the lead for the prestigious International Youth Championships at Bishop Burton College.
Ms Sykes has also been shortlisted nationally for Governance Professional of the Year and AI Leader of the Year, and continues to champion innovation, ethical leadership, and best practice.
Debra Gray CBE, chief executive and principal of Hull College, said: “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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