OBE for SDC Vice Principal
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- Created on Monday, 18 June 2012 09:43
PAT DENHAM, Vice Principal & Deputy CEO at South Devon College has been awarded the OBE for Services to Education in the Queen’s 2012 Jubilee Birthday Honours list.
Pat said, “I am delighted and extremely proud to accept this Honour, not just for myself but for all the committed, passionate and inspirational people it is my privilege to work with at South Devon College.”
Pat Denham has worked tirelessly in Further Education for over 30 years, progressing from front line teaching, lecturing, examinations, curriculum and support management roles through to Director of Quality, Vice Principal and Deputy Chief Executive positions in the South West of England.
Also a part time Ofsted Inspector for over 10 years, she has combined the critical attributes of knowledge, care and commitment to make the difference at all levels for further education learners. As College nominee, she has led both Bridgwater and South Devon Colleges to outstanding levels as reflected in Ofsted reports, and achieved national best practice recognition.
Her commitment to actively seeking out, listening to and acting on user feedback has resulted in South Devon College receiving the highest learner satisfaction score for any further education college in the South West; as well as recent top scores for student success rates and higher education learner satisfaction. In her spare time, she has also supported Brixham College as a Trustee, contributing her expertise towards the school’s development, continuing improvement and locality working. She liaises with all local school head teachers and their teams to ensure that vocational options are clearly known at the time that young people make their key choices.
“Pat is a true star and her values, energy and commitment have made a real difference to the performance of two now outstanding Beacon colleges, and most importantly to the future of thousands of further education learners in the South West,” said South Devon College Principal Stephen Criddle, “I am delighted that Pat has received this recognition which could not have gone to a more deserving person for her passion and commitment to top quality education and learning.”
“The Governing Body is very pleased that Pat Denham’s contribution has been recognised in the Honours List,” said Kevin Mowat, Chair of Governors at South Devon College, “As a College we are fortunate to have such brilliant, dedicated staff committed to our community’s success.”
Staff across South Devon College have reacted to the news with pride, and clearly see her as dynamic and driven, demanding the best for students but with a wonderful sense of humour and compassion, eager to involve and bring out the best in all around her. They recognise her enthusiasm for helping young people to achieve their full potential and that she is hugely active personally in making that happen.
