A BASINGSTOKE college principal has received his OBE in a prestigious ceremony held at Buckingham Palace.

Anthony Bravo, principal at Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT), in Worthing Road, was awarded the title in the New Year's Honour List for Services in Further Education.

The OBE investiture was held at the palace on Friday, April 19, with the Princess Royal, Anne, handing the award to Mr Bravo.

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Basingstoke Gazette: Principal Anthony Bravo with his OBE

Mr Bravo said: "Every day I say I have the best job in the world. I am incredibly humbled and honoured to receive this award,

"It is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all the staff at BCoT and our board of governors. I am so proud of the positive impact we have made on the lives of our students and the wider community."

A spokesperson for BCoT said the college is 'filled with pride to see Anthony receive such a distinguished honour and praise Anthony's exceptional leadership and dedication to education'.

Mr Bravo has served as principal for BCoT for 15 years, qualifying as a teacher at Newcastle University after gaining a degree in Agriculture and Environmental Science.

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Mike Howe, chair of the board of governors at BCoT, said: “This well-deserved OBE is a fitting tribute to Anthony's outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to education. He is an inspiration to students, staff, and the wider community.

"Anthony has been a vocal advocate for further education, serving on national advisory boards and committees, and actively promoting the value of vocational and technical skills.

"He is a highly respected figure in the education sector, and his expertise and insights are sought after by policymakers and educators alike. The College is proud to see him receive such an honour.”