Diane Heritage, Chair of New Collaborative Learning Trust, has been awarded an OBE for services to education.
Diane has been chair of NCLT since its formation in 2016, and before that has had a career including roles as headteacher, adviser, senior leader and consultant for organisations including Barnsley Council, the National College for School Leadership, and the Education Endowment Foundation. In 40 years in education, with 30 in senior leadership, Diane has dedicated her long career to driving forward innovation and excellence in education as a means of delivering improved social mobility, making a significant positive impact on the lives of young people across Yorkshire. With both New College Pontefract and NCLT, she has dedicated years of voluntary work to helping govern and guide school, college and trust leaders through over a decade and a half of change, challenge and growth.
Diane said: “While this honour bears my name, it is truly a reflection of the dedication, commitment, and collective effort of the many remarkable people I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career. Together, they continue to make a profound difference to the lives of children and young people every day.
“My role as Chair of Trustees at the New Collaborative Learning Trust inspires me constantly. Great schools and trusts are built by exceptional teams united by a shared purpose. I am delighted to share this recognition with our outstanding central team, dedicated staff, talented leaders, and fellow trustees. Thank you for your unwavering support, commitment, and belief in our vision.
“This honour strengthens my determination to continue championing all children and young people, particularly those facing disadvantage, and to work tirelessly to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”
Richard Fletcher, NCLT’s CEO, said: “Diane has for 15 years made a significant, exceptional, voluntary contribution to the success of our multi-academy trust and, before that, our outstanding sixth form college. It is no exaggeration to say that we would not be the institution we are today without her wisdom, support, challenge and guidance.
“Her motivation has been improving the quality of educational outcomes for young people in Yorkshire. She is committed to that vision, and has made a significant, sustained, and selfless contribution, regularly giving of her time and effort for free, making a positive impact on the lives of thousands without seeking reward or recognition.
“Without Diane’s help, we would not be where we are today.”
Diane was appointed parent governor of New College Pontefract in 2010, continuing to serve as a governor until 2016 when she became chair of the new multi-academy trust responsible for New College Pontefract, New College Doncaster and then New College Bradford. This MAT has subsequently grown to include a further three secondary and three primary schools, with responsibility for the education of over 10,000 students across West and South Yorkshire.
