It was announced today that Mark Vickers, Chief Executive Officer of Olive Academies, has been awarded an MBE in The Queen’s New Year Honours List for his services to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
Mark Vickers said, “I feel immensely privileged to be awarded this honour and want to acknowledge our whole team who work so hard to make Olive Academies into such inclusive and dynamic learning communities for children and young people.
I am so pleased that our work to improve the lives of the young people in our care has been acknowledged in this way. Our pupils are exceptional individuals, and it is truly humbling to have the opportunity to shape their futures.”
Olive Academies is a multi-academy trust which specialises in supporting children at risk of exclusion and those who have been permanently excluded from school. Mark Vickers established Olive Academies in 2013 with a group of educational leaders determined to improve the opportunities for young people who struggle to succeed in education.
Phil Whall, Chair of the Olive Academies Board of Trustees said, “We are so proud of Mark and all that he has achieved. This year has been immensely challenging for schools, teachers, children and families. Mark continues to work tirelessly to improve the lives of young people. His commitment to marginalised children is inspiring.”