Assistant Principal for SEND Awarded OBE in King’s New Years Honours List

We are delighted to share with you that Sam Mayhew, our Assistant Principal for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Years Honours List. 

Sam has been recognised for her commitment to supporting the Further Education sector in developing Inclusive Practice alongside staff at the College, as well as the pioneering work she has undertaken as the lead for the College’s work as one of the first ever national SEND Centres for Excellence.

Sam started her career at Weston College at the age of 16 as a Level 3 Health and Social Care student before progressing into her a paid role as a Support Worker. Having gained a degree in Learning Disabilities, Sam returned to Weston College where her real training began. 

Over the years she has progressed through several roles and has been supported and developed by outstanding managers and colleagues. She has been part of an innovative team who have developed groundbreaking provision that has enhanced inclusive practice, facilitating outstanding outcomes for learners with SEND and their families, being recognised nationally as a Centre for Excellence in SEND in 2019. 

After 25 years of service Sam and colleagues are drawing on that wealth of experience and knowledge to support the FE sector to play a key role in responding to the SEND reforms and building innovative provision for young people with SEND and their families.   

Weston College takes great pride in Sam and her remarkable achievement. This accomplishment serves as a true reflection of the efforts put forth not only by her but also by other dedicated staff members at the College. They have worked diligently to elevate the profile and quality of SEND provision within our local area. 

Moreover, they have been instrumental in disseminating this approach, including our specialist model, throughout the broader Further Education (FE) sector. Inclusion and SEND represent a constantly evolving national and local landscape, demanding ongoing energy and innovation to ensure that everyone receives appropriate support. 

We are incredibly fortunate that the endeavours of Sam and her colleagues contribute to enhancing and embracing our entire community, further cementing that as a college, we are dedicated to placing our learners, including those with SEND, at the core of all our activities. 

Commenting on the award. Sam said: “I am incredibly honoured and extremely humbled to have been given this award. Throughout my time at the College, I have been fortunate to work with and learn from many inspirational people and students, and I owe a lot to all of them and my family too. 

"I feel very privileged to have been able to work nationally with so many colleges to develop truly inclusive learning and support for those with SEND. 

"My job at the College is a job that I love doing, working with an immensely hard working and talented team; who have contributed in a number of ways and I must thank them all for their dedication, support and the generous amounts of time they have given to enable Weston College and the Centre for Excellence to have the impact it has.”