Acting CEO, Claire Harnden Awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours for Outstanding Services to Education
South Farnham Educational Trust is delighted to announce that Acting Chief Executive Officer, Claire Harnden, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to education in the King’s Birthday Honours list announced today.
The prestigious award recognises Claire’s exceptional leadership, her pioneering work in teacher training innovation and her influential contributions to national education policy. Throughout her career, Claire has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to raising standards, supporting aspiring teachers and shaping the future of education for the benefit of all.
National Leadership and Policy Influence
Claire’s impact extends far beyond the Trust, with her work at the heart of national educational reform. Her prominent high-profile roles include:
- Teaching School Hub Council Member: Supporting and challenging the national network, while advising the Department for Education on policy. Claire currently leads the national ITT (Initial Teacher Training) Advisory Board.
- Co-Chair of the Teacher Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group: Leading national stakeholders in the development of new teacher training routes. Ministerial announcements have confirmed the group’s recommendations are now being implemented.
- Chair of the Queen Street Education Expert Group: Facilitating strategic discussions among senior education leaders on trust development and quality of education.
- NASBTT Trustee: A registered charity representing over 10,000 individual trainees and mentors, dedicated to promoting high-quality, schools-led teacher training.
These roles have placed South Farnham Educational Trust at the forefront of national education policy, ensuring the Trust is well-prepared for future developments while providing staff with unique professional opportunities.
Transforming Teacher Training
One of Claire's most significant achievements has been to contribute to the development and launch of the Teacher Degree Apprenticeship – a groundbreaking initiative that creates accessible, high-quality pathways into teaching for individuals from all backgrounds. This innovative route into teaching, developed by the Teacher Apprenticeship Trailblazer Group and chaired by South Farnham Educational Trust, will launch in September 2025, addressing the national teacher recruitment challenge and providing transformative opportunities for aspiring educators.
Commitment to Educational Excellence
Throughout her career, Claire has championed the belief that education has the power to transform lives and communities. Her leadership philosophy combines rigorous academic standards with nurturing environments where every child feels safe, valued and empowered to reach their potential.
On receiving her MBE, Claire Harnden said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. This award reflects the collective efforts of the exceptional teams of educators within our schools, Trust, SCITT and Teaching School Hub. Together, we have created innovative pathways that enable passionate individuals from all backgrounds to realise their potential in education. The opportunity to influence the training of hundreds of new teachers each year represents a powerful lever for educational transformation.”