THE principal of Aurora Foxes Academy in Minehead has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List, for her dedication in ensuring students with learning disabilities have been kept safe and achieved their full potential – despite the pandemic.

Emma Cobley, 37, head of the specialist residential college, devised innovative ways from the start of the pandemic to keep all 79 students safe, and ensured this year’s graduates achieved 100 per cent success in gaining qualifications and are now ready for employment.

“This award shines a light on the students’ achievements as much as mine,” said Emma, who joined the academy when she was 20, and held a variety of teaching roles before becoming principal in 2019.

“The students make me smile every working day. Despite the extra challenges they’ve had to deal with throughout the pandemic, they show resilience, talent and enthusiasm in everything they do.

“I am privileged to lead a dedicated team at Aurora Foxes Academy which is giving young people with learning disabilities the skills and opportunities that they deserve to become work and life ready,” she said.

The residential college for young people aged 18 to 25 with learning disabilities, is seen as a trailblazer for enabling them to gain vocational qualifications in hospitality, and independent living skills.

“Emma’s visionary and innovative leadership has had a hugely positive impact on the well-being and safety of students at Aurora Foxes Academy, two-thirds of whom are on the ‘extremely clinically vulnerable’ list,” said Mark Costello, chief executive for the Aurora Group, which provides education and support for people with special educational needs and disabilities.

For the full story see this week’s West Somerset Free Press.