We are delighted to announce that our Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Kneeshaw, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026 for Services to Education.
The honour recognises Adrian’s exceptional contribution to education and his commitment to improving outcomes and opportunities for children and young people across West Yorkshire.
Throughout his career, Adrian has built a reputation for transforming schools and raising aspirations in some of the region’s most challenging educational settings. As a Headteacher, he successfully led the improvement of three schools, guiding each from Special Measures to at least a Good Ofsted rating.
His most notable achievement came at Carlton Bolling, where he led one of the most remarkable school improvement journeys in the country. Following an Ofsted inspection in 2014, the school was placed in Special Measures and had gained a reputation as The Most Broken School in the Country. Under Adrian’s leadership, Carlton Bolling underwent a rapid transformation and was judged Outstanding by Ofsted in 2017, less than three years later.
The success of this turnaround became the foundation for the creation of Carlton Academy Trust, with a vision to share expertise, support other schools and improve educational outcomes for more children and young people. Since its establishment, the Trust has grown from one school to nine schools across Bradford and Leeds in fewer than five years.
In recognition of his leadership and impact on education across the region, Adrian was also named Education Leader of the Year at the inaugural Yorkshire Leadership Awards in 2025.
Adrian said, “I’m humbled to receive this award and grateful to have worked with so many dedicated colleagues throughout my career. This recognition reflects the efforts of countless people who are committed to improving the lives and opportunities of young people through education. It is a privilege to be part of that work.”
Gareth Logan, Chair of Trustees at Carlton Academy Trust said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to congratulate Adrian on this richly deserved recognition. His leadership, integrity and commitment to improving educational opportunities have transformed the lives of countless young people. We are immensely proud to see his contribution recognised at a national level.”
Carlton Academy Trust would like to congratulate Adrian on this well-deserved honour and thank him for his continued dedication to transforming lives through education.