Almost 20 individuals from Somerset have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List, celebrating outstanding contributions across the region. Among them, Dr Steve Taylor, CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) based in Nailsea, received a knighthood for his exceptional leadership in education.
Under Dr Taylor’s guidance, the CLF has grown dramatically, expanding from 12 to 35 schools. The federation encompasses seven schools in North Somerset, seven in South Somerset, and 13 in Bristol, transforming educational outcomes across these areas.
Reflecting on the honour, Dr Taylor said: “Since learning of this award, I have thought about all those colleagues in the Cabot Learning Federation and the wider education sector who have inspired me. Any achievement I have is due to collaborative efforts with talented individuals within CLF and beyond.”
He also expressed gratitude toward the Queen Street Group, a national organisation of education trusts fostering collaboration among senior leaders, stating, “I feel fortunate to have them as colleagues.”
Dr Taylor added, “I am extremely grateful for this honour and eager to share this moment with my colleagues and family, whose support means everything to me.”
Government representatives highlighted Dr Taylor’s credentials, noting he holds an Honorary Doctorate in Education, is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, a trained Lead Ofsted Inspector, and a National Leader of Education. They praised his role in transforming schools in East Central Bristol, once among the most underperforming areas, into thriving learning communities. They also commended his role in founding the Queen Street Group, launching the Boolean Maths Hub, and establishing the Five Counties Teaching School Hubs Alliance—efforts that have improved education for over 750 schools and enhanced teacher training in the southwest.
Close to Somerset, Professor Sonia Blandford from Corsham was honoured as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her outstanding work encouraging literacy among children. She led the “200 million minutes reading challenge,” which inspired 15,000 children to develop a lifelong love of reading.
A government spokesperson lauded her founding role and leadership at Achievement for All 3As, a charity partnering with schools and the Department for Education to transform young lives. Professor Blandford’s influence extends across Europe, having contributed to pan-European teacher professional development policies and chaired committees aligning master’s degree qualifications.
She also founded or advised 10 charities, including Teach First, where she helped establish a master’s programme and secured a National Initial Teacher Training Partnership contract, significantly advancing social mobility.
These honours underline the vital contributions of Somerset and surrounding communities in shaping educational excellence and social progress.