Congratulations to members of the Teach First Community who have been recognised in the New Year's Honours list.

Among those receiving titles were George Iacobescu - Founding Ambassador of Teach First, and Mel Ainscow, who sits on the Teach First National Advisory Council.

George Iacobescu, chief executive of Canary Wharf received a Knighthood for "services to charity, the community and the Financial Services industry." He is seen as one of the most successful business leaders in the western world, and was awarded a CBE in 2003 for "services to regeneration and inward investment". He is currently trustee of the British Museum, Vice Patron of the Royal British Society of Sculptors and Patron of Jewish Care and the Community Safety Trust.

Professor Mel Ainscow has been awarded a CBE for services to education. Professor Ainscow is Professor of Education and co-director of the Centre for Equity in Education at The University of Manchester. He has been recognised in the past for his programme to transform inner-city schools in Manchester, helping to cut truancy rates. He has previously worked as a head teacher, local education authority inspector and lecturer at the University of Cambridge. He is consultant to UNESCO, UNICEF and Save the Children.

We are delighted to hear that those in our community are being recognised for the impact they are making as they continue to address educational disadvantage as leaders in their different fields.