The former assistant director for children’s services in Hampshire has been recognised in the New Year Honours for 2025.

Brian Pope from Clanfield, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to education.

He worked in Hampshire’s education sector for 36 years, teaching in Portsmouth for a decade before becoming headteacher at Hulbert Junior School in Waterlooville.

Mr Pope was then asked by the local authority if he wanted to become a primary school advisor, working with primary school headteachers. After being promoted, he worked with secondary heads as the special school head and primary.

The last seven years of his career were spent as assistant director for children’s services at Hampshire County Council and Isle of Wight Council.

Speaking to The Petersfield Post, Mr Pope described receiving the award as a “terrific honour”.

He said: “I’m quite touched and whilst I'm getting the MBE, I know I'm humble enough to know that I was really lucky to have a great team around me.

“Those people made me look very effective in my job because they were superb at doing what they were doing. I've no doubt without them, I wouldn't have been given the MBE.

“I've had some lovely texts and emails hat have been quite touching, not only from family and friends. I've already had some ex-pupils contact me as well.

“I was a primary school teacher, so they were 11-years-old when I was teaching them and some of the people that have contacted me are now in their 40s.”

Now retired, Mr Pope spends his time as a member of the Clanfield Joggers and can be found jogging along the South Downs Way nearby. He is also the independent chair at the SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy & Partnership Board at West Sussex County Council.