CHIEF executive of a new school academy trust has been awarded a CBE for services to education in the New Year’s honours list.

Roger Pope is leading the Education South West trust, which formed on January 1 when Academies South West merged with Templer Academy Schools Trust, including Teign School and Coombeshead Academy.

The combined trust now has 10 schools, more than 4,000 students and 400 staff. Mr Pope is Kingsbridge Community College Executive Principal and also advises the Government’s Department for Education as chairman of the National College for Teaching and Leadership.

He said: ‘I’m thrilled to receive such a high honour as a CBE. This is a tribute to all my colleagues at Kingsbridge and in our trust. They are a tremendous bunch of people who always go the extra mile to give young people the very best start in life. I’m very lucky to do a job I love.’

Simon Gotch is chairman of the board at the newly formed Education South West.

He said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted Roger has received this award. I work with him and can certainly vouch for the effort, passion and commitment he shows in every aspect of his work.

‘Roger is an excellent leader and has inspired staff at the schools in Academies South West to strive for the best outcomes for their students.

‘He’s not someone to stand still and sees opportunities to grow and improve in every pupil, teacher and school.

‘His mission to bring outstanding teaching to all is evidenced by his national role at the DFE as well as the merger of Academies South West and Templer Academy Schools Trust.

‘I know he will drive Education South West forward with great energy and with the students at the centre of his thinking, as they have been for the last 32 years.

‘Congratulations, Roger.’