Sally Alexander, Chief Executive and Group Principal of Milton Keynes College Group, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to Further Education.
This honour recognises Sally’s outstanding contribution to education over more than three decades, and her leadership in transforming opportunities for learners, communities and employers both locally and nationally.
Sally joined Milton Keynes College Group in 1999 and has played a pivotal role in its development into one of the UK’s most impactful college groups. Prior to becoming Chief Executive, she led the organisation’s prison education provision, becoming a nationally recognised leader in the field and helping to reshape education in custody, supporting individuals to progress into employment and positive futures on release.
As Chief Executive, Sally has led the continued growth and transformation of the College Group, strengthening partnerships with major employers, expanding access to education and skills, and positioning the organisation as a key civic and economic partner within its communities.
Through Sally’s leadership, Milton Keynes College Group has seen significant growth in student numbers, alongside sustained improvements in quality and impact. The organisation has retained its Good Ofsted rating, with inspectors recognising Outstanding provision for adult learners and those with high needs.
This progress has been further reinforced by the College’s recent designation as a Digital and Technologies Technical Excellence College, a national recognition that positions the organisation at the forefront of delivering future focused skills.
Sally said: “I feel incredibly honoured to receive this recognition.
It reflects the commitment and dedication of so many colleagues, partners and learners I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career.
I have always believed that Further Education is nothing if it is not at the heart of our communities. It has the power to change lives, create opportunity and bring people together, and I am proud to be part of that every day.”
Throughout her career, Sally has been driven by a commitment to widening opportunity and championing those furthest from it. Her leadership is defined by strong values and clear purpose, creating an organisation that is both high performing and deeply rooted in the communities it serves.
Chair of Governors at Milton Keynes College Group, Ruby Parmar, said: “Everyone at Milton Keynes College Group is delighted that Sally will soon be receiving her MBE. It is so thoroughly deserved, and is a testament to the dedication and passion she brings to Further Education and to Prison Education. On behalf of the governors, it gives me great pleasure to express our thanks for all that she does, and to say that we’re thrilled she has been honoured in this way.”
For colleagues, partners and learners, this award recognises a leader whose influence extends far beyond her organisation, and whose work continues to shape the future of Further Education.
