Christ the King Sixth Forms (CTK)
is proud to share that Shireen Razey, Executive Principal, was invited to Buckingham Palace on
Thursday, 28th November 2024 to receive her prestigious Royal honour that recognoses her services to education.
Shireen was named in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024, attended an investiture ceremony where she was officially presented with her Order of the
British Empire (OBE) by the Princess Royal.
This recognition celebrates Shireen’s exceptional leadership in education and her tireless commitment to social mobility. She has dedicated her career
to the FE sector and championed the success of students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they are given opportunities which enable them to succeed. Having worked at Christ The King for over 20 years, she has championed success
for students from underrepresented backgrounds and the impact has been immense. Through providing life changing opportunities in further education, the place where she succeeded in her own studies as young adult, students are able to flourish and succeed.
Shireen is also Chair of Governors at Oakwood Park Grammar School in Maidstone and Vice Chair of Governors at St Benidict Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Shireen said:
“It was a very special occasion to receive my OBE from the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace. I am immensely proud and humbled to receive this award and was delighted that my husband and son were able to attend this special occasion. Since studying for my A Levels in a Further Education College, teaching has been my calling. The compassion and support I was shown transformed me as an individual, my teachers had huge belief in my ability and inspired me to enter the teaching profession. I am truly honoured to receive this OBE and it is recognition of all the work that colleagues do to ensure students reach their full potential, often overcoming significant life challenges. I have been blessed with the communities I work with and the great staff and wider networks that have supported me.”
Joining in congratulating Shireen,
James Kewin, Deputy Chief Executive at the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA), stated:
“Shireen
is an inspirational leader who has transformed the life chances of tens of thousands of young people through her work at Christ the King Sixth Form College. Shireen has made, and continues to make, an outstanding contribution to sixth form education and we
are delighted that her work has been recognised in this way.”
Mary-Vine Morris, Area Director London for the Association of Colleges (AoC),
added:
“We are delighted to congratulate Shireen, Executive Principal of Christ the King College, on being awarded an OBE for services to education. This
well-deserved recognition highlights her exceptional leadership and dedication, not only in transforming outcomes at her own college sixth forms but also in championing the further education sector more broadly. Her commitment and impact are an inspiration
to us all, showcasing the vital role of further education in changing lives and shaping futures.”
Under Shireen’s leadership, CTK has grown into a beacon of educational excellence, turning around struggling institutions and creating opportunities
for students to thrive academically and personally. Her focus on fostering inclusivity, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility has strengthened the fabric of the CTK community and inspired countless students and staff alike.
As Shireen receives her OBE, Christ the King Sixth Forms stands united in celebrating this extraordinary milestone and her unwavering commitment to
transforming lives through education.
