Controlled Schools Celebrated in King's Birthday Honours 2025

The awards celebrate individuals from diverse backgrounds who have made significant contributions to their communities.

Mark Baker, Chief Executive, Controlled Schools' Support Council (CSSC), said: 
"I congratulate the recipients from controlled schools being honoured for their exceptional service. These individuals define our schools, making a profound difference through their dedication to children and young people in the controlled sector and their communities."

The Honours list acknowledges people from all walks of life and sectors of society who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to public service.

Mr Norman Marshall Allen, Chair of Board of Governor, Craigavon Senior High School, who has been awarded an MBE for services to Education in Portadown, County Armagh.

Mr Samuel Crowe, Governor, Carrickfergus Academy, who has been awarded an MBE for services to the community in County Antrim.

Mrs Joanne Currie, Principal, Cairnshill Integrated Primary School, who has been awarded an MBE for services to Education and to the community in South Belfast.

Mrs Elaine Sorca Kennedy, Chair, Board of Governors, Fivemiletown College, who has been awarded an MBE for services to Education in Northern Ireland.

Ms Jennifer Pogue, Principal, Arellian Nursery School, Belfast, who has been awarded an MBE for services to Early Years Education.

Mrs Christine Ruth McKeeman, Lately Unit Catering Supervisor, Straidbilly Primary School, who has been awarded a BEM for services to Education in Northern Ireland.

View the full list of Northern Ireland King’s Birthday Honours recipients here.

The controlled education sector is the largest, most diverse education sector in Northern Ireland comprising 49% of all schools across all phases: nursery, special, primary, secondary, grammar, integrated and Irish medium schools.

16 June 2025