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Christ the King Sixth Forms executive principal, Shireen Razey, awarded OBE in recognition of her outstanding service to education.

Shireen Razey, the executive principal of Christ the King Sixth Forms (CTK), was named in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024 and awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of her outstanding service to education. 

Shireen was invited to Buckingham Palace on Thursday, 28th November 2024 to receive the prestigious Royal honour in recognition of her outstanding service to education. At the investiture ceremony, Shireen was officially presented with her OBE by Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal. 

This accolade celebrates Shireen's exemplary leadership in education and her profound dedication to social mobility, particularly for students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds. For over two decades at Christ the King Sixth Forms, she has passionately advocated for the transformative power of education, inspired by her own journey through further education as a young adult. Shireen’s work embodies Catholic values of service, compassion, and striving for the common good, ensuring that all students have access to opportunities that allow them to flourish and succeed. 

In addition to her role at CTK, Shireen serves as Chair of Governors at Oakwood Park Grammar School in Maidstone and Vice Chair of Governors at St Benedict Catholic Multi Academy Trust, where she continues to contribute to the mission of Catholic education. 

Reflecting on this significant moment, Shireen shared: 

"It was a very special occasion to receive my OBE from the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace. I am immensely proud and humbled to receive this award and was delighted that my husband and son were able to attend this special occasion. Since studying for my A Levels in a Further Education College, teaching has been my calling. The compassion and support I was shown transformed me as an individual, my teachers had huge belief in my ability and inspired me to enter the teaching profession. I am truly honoured to receive this OBE and it is recognition of all the work that colleagues do to ensure students reach their full potential, often overcoming significant life challenges. I have been blessed with the communities I work with and the great staff and wider networks that have supported me.” 

James Kewin, Deputy Chief Executive at the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA), offered his congratulations, stating: 

"Shireen is an inspirational leader who has transformed the life chances of tens of thousands of young people through her work at Christ the King Sixth Form College. Shireen has made, and continues to make, an outstanding contribution to sixth form education, and we are delighted that her work has been recognised in this way.” 

Mary-Vine Morris, Area Director London for the Association of Colleges (AoC), added: 

"We are delighted to congratulate Shireen, Executive Principal of Christ the King College, on being awarded an OBE for services to education. This well-deserved recognition highlights her exceptional leadership and dedication, not only in transforming outcomes at her own college sixth forms but also in championing the further education sector more broadly. Her commitment and impact are an inspiration to us all, showcasing the vital role of further education in changing lives and shaping futures.” 

Under Shireen’s visionary leadership, CTK has grown into a beacon of Catholic educational excellence, supporting students in their academic and personal growth while nurturing a strong sense of faith, community, and service. Through fostering inclusivity, compassion, and social responsibility, Shireen has inspired countless students and staff alike. 

The whole of the Archdiocese of Southwark congratulates Shireen on her well deserved award and extends their gratitude for her exceptional service to Catholic education.