Lynette Leith, Hull College’s vice-principal for curriculum and skills, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours.
The accolade has been awarded in recognition of Lynette’s exceptional contribution to the further education sector and her pivotal role in transforming Hull College into a thriving hub of learning and opportunity.
Under Lynette’s leadership and direction of curriculum and the skills strategy, Hull College secured a Good rating from the Ofsted enhanced skills inspection in October 2023.
This milestone reflects the institution’s resurgence, highlighting the college’s adult provision and personal development as Outstanding, while its skills and employer engagement were recognised as Strong – a testament to Lynette’s focus on aligning the curriculum with the needs of the learners and the regional economy.
Lynette said: “Receiving this recognition is incredibly humbling. For me this reflects the wonderful FE sector and the many teams and individuals that have coached, counselled, and guided me along the way.
“Most importantly this is recognition of the entire Hull College team – the Hullraisers. It is a genuine privilege to work with the team every day, and I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together. I am honoured, humbled and proud.”
Over the past three years, Lynette has played one of the leading roles of Hull College’s transformation. Her strategic leadership, unwavering dedication to equality of opportunity and the commitment of the Hull College team, has gained the institution national, award recognition as well as its rightful place in the heart of the Hull and Humber community.
Through innovative curriculum development and impressive student achievements, outstanding adult learning provision and essential partnerships that have been fostered through strong employer engagement strategies, Hull College is now recognised as a key driver of social and economic growth in the Humber region.
Debra Gray MBE, principal and chief executive of Hull College, praised Lynette’s achievement: “Lynette’s OBE is richly deserved and underscored her pivotal role in Hull College’s journey of transformation. Her leadership and the collective efforts of the Hullraiser team has cemented our status as a vital education, training and skills resource for the community. This is a proud moment for all of us at Hull College.”
