The CEO of a multi-academy trust in the North East who was awarded an OBE for services to education has called it a "wonderful but surprising" honour.
Brendan Tapping OBE attended Windsor Castle with his wife Sarah, younger brother Bernard and sister-in-law Angelica to be presented with his prestigious medal by the Princess Royal.
“The evening before the ceremony, we were on our way out for dinner and I looked up at Windsor Castle and thought, ‘These things don’t happen to people like me from a small mining village in County Durham’ – I think that was the moment it really hit me,” said Brendan, who has led Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust as CEO for more than five years.
“I was born into a wonderful family in Murton, a mining community I remain rooted in.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Seeing the State Apartments was mind-blowing and Princess Anne was lovely. She talked about Bishop Chadwick and she knew that one of our schools – St Bede’s in Peterlee – was my old school.
“It was very special to have my family in the room with me to share that recognition. Just like the fantastic people I work with, they have contributed to this achievement too, especially my wife Sarah who has always supported me.”
Brendan’s first teaching post was in Hartlepool in 1991, before moving on to various roles, including headteacher and executive headteacher, across schools in South Shields, Peterlee and Hebburn.
His OBE was announced in the King’s New Year’s Honours List. On the announcement, he said he was “humbled” and thanked his wife, family and colleagues, past and present for their support and contribution to education in the North-east.
“Ultimately, they have contributed to the work that we’ve done together in education in the North East, so I feel that it’s recognition, not just for me, but of the people who I’ve worked with as well,” he added.
“I am driven by my genuine belief that education is the key that opens doors for people, enabling them to be the best versions of themselves and live fulfilling lives.”
Daniel O’Mahoney, chair of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, said: “Brendan has, for many years, been recognised as amongst the elite senior education professionals in the UK and this accolade is confirmation of his outstanding leadership qualities.
“There is much more that Brendan and the Trust will achieve in the coming years, not least an exciting new school build programme that will, as with all we do, be focused on allowing pupils to excel and be the very best versions of themselves.”
Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust has 31 schools (26 primary, five secondary, four sixth forms and 15 nurseries), 1,350 employees and 11,000 pupils aged from two to 18.
In addition to his role with the Trust, Brendan is also on various boards including Schools North East, Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA, Sunderland), Teach First Strategy Board and the Regional Schools Commissioner CEO Board.
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