BDAT chair awarded OBE for services to education
Mason has served as the chair of BDAT since 2016, where she helped grow the trust from nine to 21 schools
Tessa Mason, chair of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT), has been recognised for her contributions to education with an Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Mason has received the OBE for her “exceptional commitment and dedication to empowering the lives of young people” across Yorkshire and beyond.
She began her career as a primary teacher in 1982, becoming a headteacher from 1992 until 2008 in Leeds. She worked as an adviser for the Department for Education (DfE) from 2008 -16, she has served and supported thousands of children and young people across the country.
She has also acted as a strategic adviser, mentor, and coach to a large number of multi-academy trust CEOs and executive leaders as part of her passion to create the best education system for all.
Mason has served as the chair of BDAT since 2016, where she helped grow the trust from nine to 21 schools.
During her tenure, the trust has become well recognised for its collaborative work on student leadership and pupil voice, with key initiatives including the post-pandemic recovery summit and taking part in the Bradford Citizens annual summits.
Mason has also served as a commissioned regional consultant adviser for the DfE, directly supporting the Teaching School Council in Yorkshire and the North West of England from 2016, and was a key member of the regional delivery partnership for the Covid Support Programme and the Trust and School Improvement Offer from 2019 to 2024.
She will be presented with her OBE at a special investiture ceremony as part of the 2025 Birthday Honours list.
Mason said: “I am equally delighted and humbled to be awarded this honour, which recognises the important role of education and opportunity in shaping the next generation and our society.
“This builds on the achievements of the incredible colleagues, children and young people, schools, and partners I have worked with throughout my career – I would like to thank everyone including my family and close colleagues for their ongoing support which has made this possible. I am so proud of everything we have achieved together.”
Carol Dewhurst, CEO at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, added: “Tessa truly deserves this recognition – her commitment, dedication, and passion for education are inspiring for all of us working in education, and for the children and young people she supports and encourages every day.
“Her career has had an immeasurable impact, and all of us at BDAT are incredibly proud to work alongside Tessa and learn from her experience and knowledge. We are so pleased to see her be recognised with such a prestigious award. I have benefitted personally from Tessa’s skills, expertise and guidance during my time at BDAT, as I am sure many others have across our region, and across the whole education sector.”