BRINGING kudos to her college!

That’s Lauran Chatburn who was singled out for royal recognition in the recent Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

For Mrs Chatburn, principal of Bury College, was awarded the CBE for services to further education.

And the modest 57-year-old says the award is “a reflection of the wonderful work of all the staff and governors” at the college.

The mother-of-two has played a leading role in the college’s development, expansion and outstanding success. She became deputy principal in 2000 and principal in 2005.

Born in Blackburn, she passed her 11-plus and attended Blackburn Girls’ Grammar School which became Witton Park comprehensive.

Later she studied French with German at Sheffield University between 1970 and 1974 and graduated with a 2:1 BA (Hons) degree in French and subsidiary German. Mrs Chatburn subsequently achieved a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) from Manchester University in 1975.

That same year, she took up her first appointment at Bury Girls’ Grammar School, teaching French to years 7 to 13.

Later, she secured a similar teaching post at Stand Grammar School in Whitefield. In 1979, Mrs Chatburn was appointed head of department at Stand Sixth Form College. It was then that Bury College was formed by a merger of Stand and Peel Sixth Forms and Bury FE College.

She recalled: “In 1987, I became head of department for humanities and communication studies, becoming quality manager in 1994 and then director of quality and learning in 1996, deputy principal in 2000 and principal in 2005.

“I have always tried to maintain some teaching of French as long as possible. Being a college principal or manager has not removed me from students. I still mentor 21 students because Bury College is all about students being at the centre of everything we are trying to achieve.”

Mrs Chatburn, who has lived in Bolton for more than 25 years, is vice chairman of the Greater Manchester Colleges Group and member of the Association of Colleges.

Bury College, which employs 600 staff, caters for more than 4,000 students aged 16 to 18 and in excess of 6,000 adults who are sponsored by their employers to attend the college. Staff also work with more than 1,000 adults in the community.

Outside work, Mrs Chatburn loves all sports and her main hobbies are hill walking, skiing and bird watching.

Commenting on her CBE, she said: “This announcement makes me so proud to have been able to be a part of Bury College’s success. Bury College continues to attract students from neighbouring boroughs and beyond due to the consistent excellence, quality of results and self-confidence and value we add.

“It really is a fantastic college to be part of — either as a student or as a member of staff.”

Chairman of the college governors, Peter Nicol, said: “I am delighted that our principal’s inspiring work has been recognised by this award.

“Lauran continues to prove her outstanding leadership and to represent the college and its communities’ best interests at a local and national level.”