Executive Leader of Nottinghamshire’s Academy Transformation Trust Further Education College receives Honour at Windsor Castle
Simon Martin MBE, Executive Leader of Nottinghamshire’s Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATTFE) College, has officially received his Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) at an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle last Wednesday.
The honour was presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in recognition of Simon’s outstanding services to further education and skills. The award follows his inclusion in the King’s Birthday Honours List in June last year.
Simon was informed of the honour in strict confidence ahead of the publication of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. At the time, he described the news as both humbling and deeply moving, paying tribute to the dedicated staff, learners and wider community who have contributed to the College’s continued growth and success.
Reflecting on last week’s ceremony, Simon said: “I was humbled to be awarded the MBE by The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. It was an awe-inspiring setting, and the entire Royal Household staff were incredibly accommodating and welcoming, in a way that elevated the purpose and meaning of these Awards.
"I am very proud to have received this Award, but I have consistently maintained that I am merely holding it on behalf of all my colleagues at ATTFE, without whom such recognition would not have been made possible.
"I also consider that being awarded in this way is the beginning of a process and not the culmination, so the focus for me will be demonstrating that I am worthy of it.
I would also like to recognise my family who have consistently supported my working life and career endeavours.”
Simon is an integral part of the ATTFE College leadership team which serves communities in Sutton-in-Ashfield and Ollerton.
It has strengthened its focus on inclusive education, high-quality vocational pathways and strong employer partnerships. The College continues to play a vital role in supporting learners to progress into further study, apprenticeships and sustainable employment.
Principal Liz Barrett OBE DL shares that the whole team and community is incredibly proud of Simon and his recognition. Simon has worked within the lifelong learning sector for many years and we are grateful that he continues to work as part of the ATTFE College leadership team which has great impact within the communities that we serve.
Colleagues and governors have congratulated Simon on the achievement, noting that the honour reflects both his personal dedication and the collective commitment of staff across the organisation to improving life chances through education.
Simon’s MBE recognises his long-standing contribution to further education and his determination to ensure that opportunity, aspiration and achievement remain at the heart of ATTFE College’s mission.