Proud sixth-form Principal Shireen receives OBE at the Palace
The Principal of Christ the King Sixth Forms (CTK) has been honoured with an OBE for her services to education.
Shireen Razey attended an investiture service at Buckingham Palace, having been named in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024. She was officially presented with her Order of the British Empire medal by the Princess Royal.
Shireen, 54, was nominated because of what was seen as her exceptional leadership in education and her tireless commitment to social mobility.
She has dedicated her career to the further education sector and championed the success of students from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they are given opportunities which enable them to succeed.
Established in 1992, Christ the King (CTK) is a group of Catholic sixth forms in the south London and Kent area. It comprises CTK Emmanuel in Lewisham, CTK Aquinas in Brockley and CTK St Mary’s in Sidcup.
Having worked at Christ The King for over 20 years – the place where she succeeded in her own studies as a young adult – she is committed to seeing students there flourish and succeed.
Shireen is also chairwoman of governors at Oakwood Park Grammar School in Maidstone and vice chairwoman of governors at St Benedict Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
She said: “It was a very special occasion to receive my OBE from the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace. I am immensely proud and humbled to receive this award and was delighted that my husband Graham and son Charlie were able to attend this special occasion.
“Since studying for my A-levels in a further education college, teaching has been my calling. The compassion and support I was shown transformed me as an individual, my teachers had huge belief in my ability and inspired me to enter the teaching profession.
“I have been blessed with the communities I work with and the great staff and wider networks that have supported me.”
James Kewin, deputy chief executive at the Sixth Form Colleges Association, said: “Shireen is an inspirational leader who has transformed the life chances of tens of thousands of young people through her work. Shireen has made, and continues to make, an outstanding contribution.”
Mary-Vine Morris, Area Director London for the Association of Colleges, added: “Her commitment and impact are an inspiration to us all, showcasing the vital role of further education in changing lives and shaping futures.”
Pictured top: Shireen proudly shows off her medal at Buckingham Palace (Picture: CTK College)