Founding Trust Member Honoured with MBE for services to Education and Community

Stamford Park Trust is proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of Christine Lyness, who has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List for 2025. This well-deserved recognition honours her outstanding contributions to education and her local community in Tameside for more than five decades.

Christine has been a cornerstone of Ashton Sixth Form College’s history and success. Her journey with the college began in its earliest days as Ashton Grammar School, where she served as a dedicated Teacher of Biology. She went on to become Deputy Principal, playing a pivotal role in the college’s transformation and growth. Under her leadership, the curriculum expanded from 18 to over 60 subjects, resulting in a significant increase in student enrolment. Christine’s vision for making education accessible and empowering students from all backgrounds has left an enduring legacy.

After retiring in 2007, Christine remained deeply committed to education and student welfare. She continued as a Governor at Ashton Sixth Form College, sharing her experience and always prioritising students. Christine regularly visited the college to connect with students and staff, ensuring their voices were heard and pastoral care remained strong. She also played a key role in initiatives like Safeguarding reviews and events such as Culture Day, which celebrated Tameside’s diversity.

Christine’s contributions extend far beyond the college. As a founding member of Stamford Park Trust, she helped establish a framework for collaboration and excellence across the Trust’s schools and colleges. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the Trust’s vision of delivering high-quality, inclusive education.

Her dedication also encompassed her work as a governor at Mossley Hollins High School and Micklehurst All Saints CE Primary School. Christine’s efforts have impacted students across all age groups, fostering a love of learning and supporting their personal growth.

Beyond education, Christine has been a beacon of community service. She served as Mayor of Mossley from 2017 to 2018 and remains an active member of Mossley Town Team. Her work with local organisations such as Emmaus Mossley and the Mossley Fairtrade Committee reflects her deep commitment to improving the lives of others.

Reflecting on her achievements, Lisa Richards, Centre Principal of Ashton Sixth Form College, said:

"This award to Chris Lyness is so richly deserved. Chris has dedicated 52 years of service to the borough of Tameside as a teacher, senior manager, governor, and civic leader.

At Ashton Sixth Form College alone, she has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students through her drive, care, and determination to make a real difference. Most recently, as a valued Trustee of Stamford Park Trust, she has supported both the college and our other academies within Tameside, as well as numerous others.

There are few who, like Chris, have made such a sustained and impactful contribution across three phases of education – primary, secondary, and post-16.

On behalf of everyone at the college, our Trust, and the other schools where Chris has served as a governor, and who joined me in supporting her nomination, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you and offer our warmest congratulations to Chris."

Christine, who retired as a Governor in September 2024, continues to be active in her community, mentoring young leaders and championing causes close to her heart. Her remarkable career and volunteer work embody the very essence of public service.

Stamford Park Trust congratulates Christine on this well-earned recognition and thanks her for her enduring contributions to education and the wider community.