IT has been a great start to the year for the newly-formed Bridgwater and Taunton College after its principal was awarded an OBE.

Mike Robbins, principal of the newly-created establishment, was named in the 2017 New Year’s Honours List for his services to education. 

Formerly principal of Bridgwater College before it merged with its Taunton counterpart to form the Bridgwater and Taunton College, Mr Robbins said he was thrilled to have received the award and thanked the college for their support over the years. 

“It’s a great honour to be recognised in this way and it obviously also reflects all that has been achieved by the college and its staff over a long period,” he said.

“It would not have happened without the support of all those who have worked so hard professionally for the benefit of our students and those who have supported me personally.”

He was vice principal at Bridgwater College for 15 years, before becoming its principal for nearly five years prior to its recent merger with Somerset College in Taunton. 

The long standing principal has worked in the further education sector for 40 years, including colleges in Kent and one in London prior to moving to Bridgwater.

The awards saw more than 1,000 people commended from different industries including television, film, fashion and for outstanding contributions made to charity and in communities across the UK. 

He was among recipients on the honours list which also included the likes of Andy Murray, Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Ray Davies and cyclists Jason and Laura Kenny. 

This year’s list saw a total of 1,197 people in receipt of an award, with almost three quarters of them earning recognition for work in their community.

Mike was nominated for the award by Derek Randall, chairman of the college’s governing body, who was quick to congratulate him on his achievement.

He said: “This is a richly deserved award and reflects Mike’s outstanding contribution to the success of the college.”

Mike is due to accept his award at Buckingham Palace later this year from Her Majesty the Queen.

Also from Bridgwater and receiving an honour was Dr Hilary Roberta Bollan. a senior scientific officer at the Ministry of Defence, for services to Submarine Safety and the Royal Navy.
She received an MBE.