Outwood Academy Portland executive principal honoured by the Queen

Dr Phil Smith has been named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his dedication to improving the education of thousands of children.

The award - known as an OBE - is the second highest ranking Order of the British Empire award.

Speaking about the honour, Dr Smith OBE, said he was ‘delighted’, describing the title - as ‘an amazing honour and a great recognition of all that we achieved’.

He said: “I’m proud that our efforts have been recognised but it has been my honour to serve so many students and to help them along their educational journey.

“It has been a genuine honour to be able to work with such gifted staff and students and I look forward to continuing to do so for many more years yet.”

Martyn Oliver, chief executive at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: “We’re happy for Phil’s recognition in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours List and I consider it a privilege to be able to work alongside him everyday.

“He is a real asset to the Outwood family because everyday he works tremendously hard finding ways to improve the education our students receive.

“He is the embodiment of our vision and values and truly puts students first, raises standards and transforms lives.

“If you have ever had the privilege of listening to Phil deliver his training session on turning good to great you will know just how inspirational he is.

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