The Principal and Chief Executive of Hull College, Debra Gray, has been honoured with a prestigious CBE in the King's New Year Honours List. The award recognises her sustained and significant services to education at a national level, highlighting exceptional leadership and impact within the further education sector.
From Recovery to National Recognition
Debra Gray, who already held an MBE awarded in 2020, is a highly experienced leader in both further and higher education. She is widely recognised for her skill in leading complex institutional recovery, strengthening governance, and championing high-quality, inclusive education. Her work is driven by a strong moral purpose and a belief in further education as a vital civic good, especially in areas facing long-term disadvantage.
Gray took the helm at Hull College in April 2022, during a particularly challenging period. The college had just received its second consecutive ‘Requires Improvement’ rating from Ofsted and was under prolonged government intervention. Under her leadership, the institution embarked on a journey of rapid and sustained improvement.
A Decisive Turnaround for Hull College
The results of Gray's strategic leadership became clear in October 2023, when a full Ofsted inspection judged Hull College as ‘Good’ overall. Notably, its adult learning programmes and provision for personal development were graded ‘Outstanding’. In the same year, the college successfully exited government intervention after more than seven years, marking a pivotal moment for its stability and future direction.
This remarkable turnaround was further cemented in November 2023 when Hull College received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education, one of the highest national honours available to UK colleges and universities. Gray credits the college's staff and leaders, collectively known as the "Hullraisers," for their unwavering commitment and belief in the college's mission, which drove this rapid improvement.
An Anchor Institution Rebuilt
Today, under Gray's guidance, Hull College has re-established itself as a confident anchor institution at the heart of its city. It has significantly strengthened its role in skills development, social inclusion, and economic regeneration across Hull and the Humber region. The college has also gained national recognition for its innovative work in digital education, sustainability, and inclusive practices.
Gray is also completing a doctorate focused on the future-readiness of Further Education in the face of digital and industrial change. Reflecting on her CBE, she said: "I am deeply honoured to receive a CBE for services to education. While my name appears on the citation, this recognition belongs to the incredible teams I have worked with throughout my career, and especially to the amazing Hullraisers."
"Leaders are only ever as good as the people they work with, and I have been privileged to stand alongside some of the very best in further education. Together, our Hullraiser team has restored trust, raised standards, and rebuilt pride, driven by a shared belief that background should never determine opportunity," Gray added.
