Leicester school leader’s devotion to education is recognised with honour from her old university
A Leicester school teacher who became a national leader in education has returned to her old university to receive an honorary title.
Carolyn Robson CBE was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Leicester during a graduation ceremony held at De Montfort Hall, in the city, today (Thursday 16 January).
A Leicester alumna, Carolyn has spent her career as a tireless, passionate advocate for the value of education in widening participation and enhancing the potential life chances of pupils from all communities.
Her career, which spans more than 40 years, has seen her progress from teaching in Leicester, to headships, to the founding CEO of an educational trust. Carolyn is also a long-serving National Leader of Education – an outstanding headteacher who, together with the staff in their school, uses their skills and experience to support schools in challenging circumstances.
Carolyn said: “I am extremely grateful to be awarded this honorary degree and to mark 50 years of my relationship with the University of Leicester, in my adopted home town. Together we have had the privilege in supporting many young people in their learning journey.”
An alumna of the University of Leicester, with both a PGCE and MEd from its School of Education, Carolyn began teaching at schools in Leicestershire, before taking on headships and executive headships at Riverside College, Fullhurst Community College and Rushey Mead School.
Under her leadership, Rushey Mead achieved a hat-trick of Outstanding Ofsted ratings and was awarded the British Council’s International School Award three times, in recognition of its commitment to embedding international awareness and understanding.
In 2014, Carolyn became the founding CEO of The Mead Educational Trust (TMET), the largest multi-academy trust in Leicester, with 13 primary and secondary schools. Under Carolyn’s leadership, TMET has partnered with the University’s School of Education to offer a successful School-Centred Initial Teacher Training programme that leads to a University of Leicester PGCE award.
She has held appointments at the Teaching Schools Council, British Council Educational Advisory Group and the National STEM Centre Advisory Boards and was a founder member of national education charity Challenge Partners.
Carolyn was awarded a CBE in recognition of her sustained outstanding contribution to educational improvement and has received a Lifetime Achievement Award in the prestigious Pearson’s National Teaching Awards.
President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, Professor Nishan Canagarajah, said: “Carolyn’s journey from a University of Leicester student to national leader in education is awe-inspiring, and it is made even more special that her achievements have been forged right here, in the city.
“Thousands of young people in Leicestershire have had their lives shaped in a positive manner thanks to Carolyn’s passion and talent for education – she is a true Citizen of Change.”