Lesley Powell CBE receives Damehood for services to education

The North East Learning Trust is proud to announce that our founder and chief executive officer, Lesley Powell CBE, has been made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in His Majesty the King’s 2025 Birthday Honours list. 

Recognised for her services to education, Dame Lesley has dedicated her career of almost 40 years to teaching. 

As founder and chief executive officer of the North East Learning Trust (NELT), she has led the rapid transformation of numerous underperforming schools across the region, where NELT is now recognised nationally as a leading model for school improvement. 

A lifelong advocate for equality of opportunity, Dame Lesley, has worked with schools in some of the poorest areas of the country to improve the life chances of children. 

Her expertise is also recognised beyond the region where she actively contributes to national educational policy development including amongst others, the National Secondary Heads Reference Group, National, Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy Group, Head Teacher Standards Review Group, and the NPQ Expert Advisory Group. 

Dame Lesley said:  

“I am delighted to have received this honour and especially thankful to the many people who made my nomination possible. I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by a dedicated team of exceptional educators who work tirelessly to give the children of the region the best possible start in life. This honour is recognition of the passion we all share to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has access to an excellent education, and is testament to the positive change we have collectively made for the children of the North East.”   

Maggie Saxton, Chair of Trustees at the North East Learning Trust added: 

“Lesley’s unwavering commitment to equality of opportunity is matched only by her work ethic where she has tenaciously pursued excellence for the region’s children. She is a talented, visionary and compassionate leader who is an asset to the North East and the wider UK education sector. Her Damehood is thoroughly well deserved and we are all delighted she has been recognised with this award."