We are delighted that Kathleen “K” Kimber, our former Chair of Trustees at Derwen College (2012–2025), has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to education.
The honour recognises K’s outstanding contribution to improving opportunities for young people across the further education sector, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), both at Derwen College and more widely.
K has worked in further education throughout her career, latterly as a Principal. Later she joined Derwen College as a trustee in 2005 before being elected Chair of the Board in 2012. K stepped down as Chair in July 2025 but remains a valued governor. She has played a key role in leading the Board and working with the Senior Leadership Team of the College in expanding and developing first-class further education provision for students with SEND, which supports them to meet their aspirations.
Commenting on the award, K Kimber said: “I have been privileged and fortunate to work with students for nearly 60 years. They never fail to challenge and amaze. The wonderful thing about further education is that our emphasis is on working with each person as a valued individual and devising programmes to stretch and develop them. There is still much to be done on our qualifications framework as we seek to equip people for the future.”
Meryl Green, Principal & CEO, said: “We are absolutely delighted that K has received this well-deserved honour. She has made an exceptional contribution to Derwen College and to the wider further education and SEND sectors over many years. Her commitment to improving outcomes for young people is unwavering, and this recognition is richly deserved. K embodies the values of Derwen College, and we have been very fortunate to have her as a trustee and for so many years as the Chair of the Board.”