The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) is delighted to congratulate all Further Education (FE) and Skills sector colleagues recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours, including ETF trustees Gerry McDonald and Lynette Leith, who were awarded a CBE and OBE, respectively, for their services to FE.
Gerry, Group Principal and CEO at New City College, has been an ETF trustee since 2021, serving as deputy chair of the Board since 2022. He also serves as a Board member of the Association of Colleges. Gerry is a member of ETF’s professional membership body, the Society for Education and Training (SET), and completed the FE Strategic Leadership Programme for Principals and CEOs (FESLP) – delivered by ETF in partnership with Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and funded by the Department for Education – in 2018. Gerry’s leadership has driven the successful growth of New City College, which now supports 20,000 learners at its campuses across the east London / Essex region. He has worked tirelessly for FE in Greater London and beyond, representing colleges and their students’ interests.
Lynette, Vice Principal for Curriculum and Skills at Hull College, has served as an ETF trustee since 2020, including sitting on the SET Management Board, which advised the ETF Board on the strategic development of SET. She is a SET Fellow and a Research Further scholar, undertaking PhD research into the role of core and character education in narrowing the non-technical skill gap and tackling socio-economic inequalities in education outcomes for FE students. In her Vice Principal role, Lynette has been instrumental in driving Hull College’s success, particularly in advancing inclusion and empowering marginalised and disadvantaged communities.
ETF’s CEO, Dr Katerina Kolyva, said: “Congratulations to the many individuals from across the FE and Skills sector who have been awarded in this year’s honours. I’m particularly thrilled to see two of ETF’s trustees recognised for their unwavering dedication to the sector and its learners. Alongside providing invaluable counsel and experience as part of ETF’s board, Gerry and Lynette have shown exceptional leadership in their roles at New City College and Hull College, respectively, and they have been tireless advocates for our sector and its transformational impact on people’s lives.”