THE former headmaster of Malmesbury School has been awarded a CBE for 'excellent service to education'.

Malcolm Trobe is one out of 100 people recognised in The Queen’s birthday honours list for making a real difference to the equality and diversity in schools.

He said: “I was so surprised when I received the letter in the post, it came completely out the blue. I couldn’t tell anyone for six weeks so that was quite hard but all my family and friends are really pleased for me.

“I am delighted to have received this honour, representing the voice of school and college leaders across the UK.

“I feel like it shouldn’t only be for me but everybody I work with and have worked with should also feel a part of the award I’ve been given.

For 17 years he was regarded as one of the best head teachers of Malmesbury Secondary School, guiding it to become one of the top performers in the country.

The ex-headmaster, who retired in 2008 and now lives in Leicester, said: “I’m incredibly proud to say I worked in that school with a fantastic support staff behind me and wonderful pupils as well.

“I would like to thank them all for the great support they have given me throughout my career.”

He also oversaw the conversion of the school into a one site building, instead of several buildings stretching several miles, which was a major achievement for the school.

He added: “It feels wonderful to have been a part of the development plans for the school to move it into a one unit building which did allow the school to grow and become what it is today I think. That was a proud moment for me.”

After his retirement Mr Trobe become a member of the Schools Expert Advisory Group. He was then appointed general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders.

Current Malmesbury School head, Tim Gilson, said: “Malcolm was an excellent head teacher. He led the development of the new school on a single site and oversaw the school’s designation as a specialist Science and Arts school.

“He was a very well respected school leader locally and many Wiltshire headteachers looked to him for advice and guidance. Malcolm has always campaigned for education reform and to support school leaders.”