Clive Lawrence OBE has been appointed as an independent member of the Government’s Education Honours Committee.
The role will involve recommending those within the education sector who should be awarded national honours.
Born and bred in Derby, Clive is currently Chief Education Officer at Esteem Multi-Academy Trust which specialises in Special Educational Needs and /or Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP).
He brings a wealth of leadership experience to the Committee, having previously been a trust director of special schools as part of a large mixed multi-academy trust and an executive headteacher of a large split-site special school, which he led to Ofsted Outstanding. Clive has previous headship, leadership, and teaching experience in a range of mainstream and specialist settings. He is a qualified teacher, has a master’s degree in (SEND) and holds the National Professional Qualification in executive leadership. Clive is also a National Leader of Education (NLE) and provides support to schools in challenging circumstances across the East Midlands.
Clive said: “I am deeply honoured to take on this role and I am fully committed to meeting the Prime Minister’s priorities around education. My focus is on recognising and rewarding those who make a real difference—such as those working with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), looked-after children, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. I will work to ensure that those who go above and beyond receive the recognition they truly deserve.”
Clive’s appointment will see him working alongside distinguished colleagues, in the Education sector – membership of the Honours Committee.
The committee plays a vital role in recognising those who have made outstanding contributions to education across the UK and Clive is looking forward to supporting more interest and nominations from currently underrepresented areas, such as the East Midlands.
Beyond his professional experience, Clive’s personal journey deeply informs his approach to education and advocacy. Having grown up in social housing and experienced disadvantage firsthand, he understands the transformative power of education. He is also a kinship carer for his niece under a Special Guardianship Order (SGO), further strengthening his commitment to championing inclusion and equity for all children and young people.
This story was written and distributed by Kirsty Green on behalf of Esteem Multi-Academy Trust.
