Former Chair of Governors made MBE
29th December 2026 – Tags: Easton College, Paston College, Staff
Andrew Barnes, who served for more than 13 years as a Governor at City College Norwich, has been made an MBE for his services to Further Education.
Andrew Barnes has been made an MBE in the King's New Years Honours.
Mr Barnes, a former senior partner at Howes Percival in Norwich, joined the college’s Corporation Board in 2012. He served as a Governor and Vice Chair, before holding the position of Chair for seven years (from 2018 to 2025).
His governorship coincided with a period of significant growth for the college. During his time on the governing body, the college completed two mergers, saw its student numbers grow by more than 50%, and has consistently achieved ‘Good’ Ofsted grades.
Guiding our college through a key period of change
His legal background was invaluable as the college completed mergers with Paston Sixth Form College in 2017 and the Easton campus of Easton and Otley College in 2020.
The Paston merger secured Further Education provision in North East Norfolk for future generations, and Mr Barnes, in his role as Chair, was instrumental in helping the college to navigate the complicated de-merger of Easton and Otley College.
Mr Barnes guided the college through the merger process that was managed by the FE Commissioner’s Office, coalescing stakeholders around a new vision for Easton College.
Within weeks of the Easton merger being completed, in January 2020, Mr Barnes then steered the college through the many challenges that were presented by the Covid pandemic.
This was something he did alongside his responsibilities as Master and Chief Executive of the Great Hospice in Bishopgate, which provides sheltered housing for over 100 Norwich residents.
A champion of our students and apprentices
Jerry White, Principal of City College Norwich, said:
Andrew’s contribution and commitment of time to our college’s work cannot be overstated. He has brought his energy, compassion, drive, and at times, legal prowess, to bear to help the governing body of City College Norwich.
His active involvement in formulating our inclusive ethos has allowed us to consistently champion learning for the most disadvantaged in our community.
A tireless supporter of all our students and apprentices, Andrew revels in their successes and is a key advocate for Further Education within the wider Norfolk community.”
Contribution to the civic life of Norfolk
Mr Barnes has made an extensive contribution to the civic life of Norfolk. This has included serving as Chair of Trustees for the Prescilla Bacon Hospice Charity, where he played a critical role in the delivery of the new Priscilla Bacon Lodge Hospice.
He has also been Chairman of the Norwich Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, and a Trustee of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival Trust, The Forum Trust and The National Association of Almshouses.