Education is the key that opens doors for people - academy trust chief after receiving OBE from Princess Anne
“I am driven by my genuine belief that education is the key that opens doors for people”
The words of chief executive of the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust Brendan Tapping after receiving his OBE from Princess Anne.
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 Trust has schools in Sunderland, County Durham, and South Tyneside.
After receiving his award Brendan said: “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.
“I was born into a wonderful family in Murton, a mining community I remain rooted to.
“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.
After being informed he was to receive the honour Brendan said: “I feel that it’s recognition, not just for me, but of the people who I’ve worked with as well.
“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.
“Together with his central team and staff at all levels within the Trust, he has successfully managed our rapid growth despite, amongst other challenges, Covid 19 and intense financial pressures.
“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.”