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Founder of County Durham learning trust awarded damehood in honours


The creator and lead figure in the North East Learning Trust (NELT) has been made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).
Lesley Powell CBE has been made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to education

The creator and lead figure in the North East Learning Trust (NELT) has been made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).


Recognition for her services to education in the King’s 2025 Birthday Honours List is testament to Lesley Powell CBE's career of almost 40 years dedicated to teaching.


As founder and chief executive officer of the trust, she has led the rapid transformation of numerous underperforming schools across the region, where Peterlee-based NELT is now recognised nationally as a leading model for school improvement.



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