Principal Mary Murphy, OBE, Honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours List

Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form are proud to announce that Mary Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List. This distinguished honour recognises not just Mary’s dedication to further education but also the collective achievements of the college in transforming the lives of young people and adults within the community.

Under Mary’s leadership, Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form have experienced significant growth and success. With a career in the education sector spanning back to 1996, Mary joined the college in 2009 and was promoted to Principal and Chief Executive in 2013. In the past decade, the college has made significant progress, earning two Outstanding ratings from Ofsted, first in 2020 and again in 2024. These achievements reinforce the college’s reputation as a leading institution in further education, providing life-changing opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

The college has been instrumental in providing students from economically disadvantaged areas with the tools and support needed to thrive, while also addressing the skills needs of local businesses. With partnerships involving over 700 employers, the college plays a pivotal role in local, regional, and national economic development, ensuring that its students are prepared for the workforce of tomorrow.

In addition to the college’s remarkable success, Mary has made significant contributions to the wider education community, serving in key roles such as Chair of the Halton Association of Secondary Headteachers, governor of a local high school, trustee of a local education trust, chair of the Association of Liverpool City Region Colleges, and as a member of an Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) panel. Through these roles, Mary continues to advocate for educational excellence and the development of a skilled workforce.

Mary’s recognition highlights the college’s continued commitment to educational excellence, strong partnerships with local businesses, and the creation of meaningful opportunities for students throughout the region.

Speaking on receiving this award, Mary said, “I am extremely proud to have been awarded this honour, but it is not an individual achievement; it is a collective recognition for Riverside College, Cronton Sixth Form and the Borough of Halton; a community that, consistently nurtures potential and creates opportunities for all.

“I’m proud to lead a college that supports learners who go on to become professionals across every sector. With this award, I will continue to champion the achievements of young people and adult learners across Halton and the wider Liverpool City Region. It is time we shift the focus to the success, talent, and ambition that truly define our region.”

Neil McGrath, External Governor and Chair of the Board said, “Congratulations to Mary on receiving an OBE, a well-earned recognition of her dedication and impact. Having had the privilege of working alongside her and the incredible team at Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form College, it’s clear that her leadership is driven by a strong sense of purpose and genuine commitment to creating opportunities for the students. It’s wonderful to see her hard work and passion being celebrated with this prestigious honour.”

With a vision that continues to shape the future of education in the region, Riverside College and Cronton Sixth Form remains focused on championing the success, talent, and ambition that define the communities she serves.