A former headteacher from Southall has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 New Year Honours List.

Dr Clare Marian Rees received the honour as a result of her services to education, particularly with her work as the Quality and Partnership Lead at Ealing Learning Partnership.

Prior to working with Ealing Council, Dr Rees was a headteacher for nearly 14 years, first at Sunnyfields Primary school in Hendon and then at Havelock Primary School and Nursery in Southall.

Dr Rees said: "It's a real honour to accept this award. I do so on behalf of the many colleagues, pupils and families I have been privileged to work with, first as a teacher, then a headteacher and now in my role with the Ealing Learning Partnership.

"This recognition reflects the collective efforts and shared learning that have shaped my career in education and continue to inspire me." 

Reacting to Dr Rees making this year's honours list, Dr Jeremy Hannay said on LinkedIn: "Big Shout Out today to my friend Dr Clare Rees who's been given the tap at this year's new year's honours. 

"She's an incredible human. She's brought connection where things were disconnected.

"She's brought partnership where relationships were strained. She's made us all better. 

"So proud to be her friend and colleague."

Cllr Josh Blacker, cabinet member for a fairer start, added: "It's fantastic to see Clare's hard work and dedication to children in our borough being recognised in the King's New Year Honours List by being made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her service to education.

"Clare has been instrumental in building strong, collaborative networks across our schools, particularly through her work in establishing headteacher-led learning clusters.

"Her commitment to enhancing professional development and improving educational outcomes for Ealing's children has had a lasting and positive impact on the entire borough."

The King's New Year Honours List recognises individuals who have made 'outstanding' contributions to their communities across the UK.

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