News

ColegauCymru Deputy-Chair and Bridgend College Principal and Chief Executive, Simon Pirotte has this week received an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for 2021. The award, which Simon has earned for his services to further and higher education, is reflective of his tireless work to ensure that learners are given the best possible opportunities to succeed.

Simon joined the ColegauCymru board in 2020 following 30 years in education, providing valuable insight into the further education sector having earned several awards and considerable praise from colleagues, peers, and governing bodies alike.

In his time as Principal, Simon has built a fantastic environment at Bridgend College, helping the institution to achieve an ‘Excellent’ outcome following its most recent Estyn inspection, this in addition to being named Times Educational Supplement College of the Year in 2019.

ColegauCymru Chief Executive Iestyn Davies said,

“This honour highlights Simon’s character, constantly rallying for improvements and recognition for further education in Wales. We send our warmest congratulations to him on this achievement and our appreciation for his tireless work in the FE sector.”