A FORMER Alvaston Moor Academy pupil who has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year honours list has been described as an ‘inspiration and perfect role model’ for current pupils.
Clive Lawrence, who was once the youngest head teacher in the UK, will receive the award for his services to education including almost two decades supporting vulnerable children and their families in Derby.
Born and bred in Allenton, Clive attended Alvaston Moor Academy when it was called Merrill School and says that although times were hard for his family, teachers recognised his potential.
Now staff at the school say that the former pupil, who has a plaque bearing his name displayed in reception, is the talk of the classroom.
Clive Lawrence (middle) was awarded an OBE in Queen’s New Year honours list for 2022. Clive, a former pupil at Alvaston Moor Academy, has a plaque in the reception of the Alvaston secondary school commemorating his work in the community – image: Penguin PR
Head teacher Michelle Strong said: “Everyone at Alvaston Moor is incredibly proud of Clive and his career achievements are the perfect illustration of what can be accomplished by hard work and determination.
“Like many of our pupils, Clive came from humble beginnings, and he could quite easily have chosen a different path in life which is what makes him such an inspiration and the perfect role model.
“The fact that Clive became a head teacher himself shows how much he values the power of education. We are delighted that Clive is returning the faith that his own teachers had in him with the next generation.”
Clive was brought up by his loving mum, Angela, who gave birth to him when she was only a teenager herself, alongside his two younger brothers and sister.
His motivation to succeed came after watching his brother take a different path in life, resulting in him being permanently excluded from school.
Clive Lawrence OBE spent several years as Executive Headteacher at St Giles School – Derby’s only special primary school. He is pictured with former Derby County midfielder Bradley Johnson and members of the school PTFA who collectively raised thousands for a new MUGA at the school – image Penguin PR
Last year, Clive was one of 22 people to receive a national award – a special purple plaque to mark the 2021 National Census – for ‘dedication and services to the community of Derby’.
He asked for the commemorative plaque to be placed in the reception area of his former school to ‘inspire other young people to do their very best’.
Clive said: “Alvaston Moor Academy is where my roots are and I’m extremely proud to say that I went to this school. It played a big part in my life and it helped to shape who I am today.
“I had some great teachers there; particularly in the PE department, who always went that ‘extra mile’ to guide and support me.
“I was heavily involved in school sports team and it was a place which taught me how to be resilient, to be accepting of people from different backgrounds and cultures, and to stand up for what you truly believe in.
“I hope that both current and future students see my achievements as a gentle reminder to work hard at school, to stay focussed, to not let others negatively influence you and to take full advantage of what Alvaston Moor has to offer.”
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