Super-head receives university honour for his services

Sir Ken Gibson, executive headteacher of Harton Technology College in South Shields, was presented with the accolade by the University of Sunderland.

Having helped transform two North East secondary schools in recent years, Sir Ken is regarded as a ‘super-head’ for the way he brings struggling schools back on track and received a knighthood in The Queen’s birthday honours in 2013.

He received the honorary doctorate during the summer graduation ceremonies at the Stadium of Light, where thousands of students also received their awards by Chancellor Steve Cram.

Sir Ken Gibson said: “I was flabbergasted when I was told the news I’d be receiving this honour, I’m delighted!

“It’s also been a wonderful experience to be part of the graduation ceremonies this week.”

Sir Ken has been teaching for 37 years, and 33 of those have been at Harton.

While still steering the ship at Harton, he also spent three years supporting Jarrow School and Academy 360 in Sunderland, as well as a term at Boldon School, as consultant head.

He added: “At one stage I was working in three schools simultaneously on two occasions, that was a challenge because I still teach maths too.”