The former Chief Executive Officer of South Lincolnshire Academies Trust, Lucy Conley, has been recognised in the New Year’s honours list.
Mrs Conley, who retired at the end of 2025 after 35 years of working in education has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for services to education.
While Chief Executive Officer of South Lincolnshire Academies Trust, Mrs Conley has transformed three failing non-selective secondary schools who were previously graded by Ofsted as ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Requiring Improvement’ before they moved into the Trust.
Under her leadership, Spalding Academy, Giles Academy and Cowley Academy have all rapidly improved educationally, pastorally and financially, and were all graded ‘Good’ within their first Ofsted inspection.
South Lincolnshire Academies Trust has an outstanding reputation with the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) ranked as number one in the East Midlands area by the Department for Education and is in the top 6 per cent of all MATs in England.
It is also the only Multi Academy Trust in the East Midlands to be performing ‘well above average’. Many of the schools now outperform the majority of grammar schools in Lincolnshire with Bourne Academy ranked as the top performing non-selective secondary school in the whole of Lincolnshire.
Mrs Conley said: “I feel so honoured to receive recognition for my work within education and this is the perfect end to my highly rewarding time as Chief Executive Officer of South Lincolnshire Academies Trust.
“I have always put the wellbeing of students and families at the heart of everything we do and it has been the most rewarding career seeing so many students flourish and succeed.
“The future of the Trust will continue to be incredible as the Trust has a highly experienced and talented team of leaders who will build upon my blueprint of providing high quality education with exceptional pastoral care.
“I am immensely privileged to have had the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of so many young people in the region.”
Will Hawkins, chair of trustees for South Lincolnshire Academies Trust said: “It’s a pleasure to have worked with Lucy in her time as CEO of the Trust. It is a testament to Lucy’s leadership and vision that every school in the Trust are now oversubscribed as parents want to send their children to the four academies.
“Her legacy of ensuring every child receives the best possible education and the brightest future will continue.
“On behalf of the other Trustees and Governors, I am delighted to congratulate her on this achievement.”
The honours are given by the King and recognises the achievements of people from across the United Kingdom.
The MBE is awarded to those who make substantial contributions at the local or regional level with around 800 people in the United Kingdom awarded an MBE each year.
