The chief executive officer of a North East education Trust has thanked all colleagues he has worked with throughout a career spanning more than three decades, after being given a prestigious honour in this year’s New Year’s Honours List.

Brendan Tapping, who has led Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust as CEO for more than five years, has been awarded an OBE – and is looking forward to attending the palace to pick up the gong with wife Sarah in 2026.

However, Brendan insists you can only be as good at your job as the people you work alongside, as he thanked and praised everyone he has worked with - and continues to work with - for helping to shape the educational leader he is today.

“I feel very humble about it,” said Brendan.

“I would like to thank Sarah, my wife, and my family, as well as all colleagues past and present.

“Ultimately, they have contributed to the work that we’ve done together in education in the North East, so I feel that it’s recognition, not just of me, but of the people who I’ve worked with as well.”

Brendan’s first teaching post was in Hartlepool in 1991, before moving on to various roles, including headteacher and executive headteacher, across schools in South Shields, Peterlee and Hebburn. He said he was grateful somebody had put the effort into nominating him, coming back to the idea that the award represents the collective efforts of all the people he has worked with over the years.

“I have had the good grace to work with lots of wonderful people over the years,” said Brendan.

“You don’t achieve anything on your own and there are so many people who I think have contributed to this.”

Brendan, who has now worked in education for more than 34 years, said he is looking forward to continuing his work with Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust in the coming years.

“I will continue to work on the priorities, mission, vision and values of the Trust alongside the wonderful people who I am lucky to work with, and we will be trying to make a difference in the communities we serve,” he said.

“As a community-focused education Trust, we are trying to be as impactful as possible, both within the Trust and externally, through strategic partnerships.”

Brendan added he is driven by his genuine belief that education is the key that opens doors to people, enabling them to be the “best versions of themselves” and live “fulfilling lives”.

“The opportunity to work with others to provide exceptional educational experiences and opportunities for the young people in the communities we serve is a privilege,” he said.

“We also try to help all the adults who work at Bishop Chadwick to become the best version of themselves.

“I have got the honour to be able to support both the adults within the Trust and our young learners – and that is a unique privilege.”

In addition to his role with the Trust, Brendan is also on various boards including Schools North East, Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA, Sunderland), Teach First Strategy Board and the Regional Schools Commissioner CEO Board.

Brendan, whose hobbies outside of work include spending time with family, reading, walking, travel, swimming and watching football, said it will be “amazing” to be presented with his award by a senior member of the royal family.

“I didn’t ever think this would happen – you don’t think this will happen to you – but it was lovely to get the letter!” he said.

“It was a real surprise, and you just think “Wow! I cannot believe I’ve got this.”

For more information about BCCET, visit www.bccet.org.uk