Two City of Bristol College Governors have been recognised in the King’s Honours, receiving an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) and an OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in recognition of their outstanding contributions to community and education initiatives across Bristol and the wider region.
The prestigious honours celebrate the exceptional commitment, leadership and lasting impact that both Governors have made throughout their careers, reflecting their dedication to improving opportunities, championing inclusion and making a positive difference to the lives of others.
Governor Sandra Gordon MBE was awarded an MBE for her work supporting equity, representation and community initiatives in Bristol.
At the heart of everything that Sandra does is one central aim; to give everyone a chance to be the best they can be and to bring balance and equality to those groups who are disadvantaged in our society.
Her business provides organisations with services to assist their equality, diversity and inclusion journey, including organisational culture, mainly in supporting organisations in areas of gender and race. It also provides life coaching, career coaching, executive coaching and leadership coaching – especially supporting women into these positions and equitable, inclusive leadership.
Her work for women’s equality includes working with Bristol Women’s Voice, and as a member of the Mayoral Women’s Commission. She is currently a Director for the Bristol Women in Business Charter, whose ambition is to help accelerate the pace of change for the benefit of women, the businesses they work in and the communities they live in.
Sandra became a Commissioner and Co-Chair for the Mayoral Commission on Race Equality to help work on collective solutions to tackling the race inequalities faced by so many in the city. She is also passionate about inclusion and representation and was honoured to be appointed as a Magistrate and as a Governor of City of Bristol College.
Governor Andrea Arlidge OBE was awarded an OBE for her work in education, setting up the Wellsway Multi Academy Trust and Futura Learning Partnership. Andrea has been a Governor for the College since 2019 and was appointed Vice Chair in December 2024.
She is an experienced education professional with over 41 years’ experience in the school sector. She was a secondary headteacher and multi-academy trust CEO and now works to help school trusts achieve their development ambitions. Andrea was a National Leader of Education and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for Services to Education in 2018. In 2024 she received a Silver Lifetime Achievement Award in the Pearson National Teaching Awards. Throughout her career, she has been a passionate advocate for inclusion and a strong believer in the power of education to change lives.
The achievements of both Sandra and Andrea reflect the values of City of Bristol College and the vital role that its Governors play in supporting the college’s vision, providing strategic leadership and helping to create opportunities for learners and the wider community. Their recognition is a source of pride for the college and an inspiration to colleagues, students and partners alike.
Sandra commented: “It all feels a little overwhelming, but I am truly grateful for the recognition of the work that I care so deeply about. This honour really reflects the collective effort of so many people and communities I’ve had the privilege to work alongside.”
Andrea stated: “The award is in recognition of my work in education, specifically in setting up Wellsway Mult Academy Trust and Futura Learning Partnership.
“The award also recognises my wider contribution and, in accepting it, I would like to pay tribute to all the wonderful people and organisations I have worked with over the years.
“I am very proud to be a Governor of the college and my involvement has contributed significantly to this recognition.”
