Plymouth Marjon University Professor Awarded Damehood for Championing Social Mobility

Released: 06.01.26

Plymouth Marjon University Professor Awarded Damehood for Championing Social Mobility

Plymouth Marjon University is proud to announce that Emeritus Professor Sonia Blandford, Professor of Social Mobility, has been appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her outstanding services to education in the 2026 New Year Honours.

Dame Sonia is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading voices in the fight for social mobility. Her work has consistently focused on ensuring that every child, regardless of background, challenge or need, has the opportunity to thrive. Sonia joined Marjon in 2021, drawn by the University’s strong sense of community and commitment to social justice.

With over 40 years’ experience in education, her career spans roles as a music teacher, senior school leader, researcher, teacher educator, university dean, pro-vice chancellor, school governor, charity founder and author of more than 50 books.

On receiving the news of her honour, Dame Sonia said: “I am delighted and grateful to my colleagues, friends and family for their kindness and support throughout my career. I am proud to be a member of the teaching profession.”

She added: “I joined Marjon because of its strong sense of community and commitment to social justice. My hope for 2026 is that kindness becomes the moral purpose of education, ensuring that every child, parent, teacher and leader feels they belong. I hope that Marjon will be a beacon of kindness for all students, staff, and their families.”

Dame Sonia’s own journey is a powerful example of the transformative impact of education. She grew up on the Allied Estate in Feltham, west London, in an area impacted by crime, poor housing and failing schools. Her mother was illiterate, and her father only learned to read as an adult. She began working at nine and was juggling three jobs by the age of 15. A local library and teachers who nurtured her musical talent opened the door to college and academia - and inspired her lifelong mission to reduce disadvantage and advocate for systemic change.

Her achievements include co-creating the Teach First programme, co-leading the European Commission’s work on improving teacher education, and founding the award-winning charity Achievement for All, which transformed outcomes for vulnerable children and their families.

She has held senior roles at Oxford Brookes University and Canterbury Christ Church University and continues to influence education policy and practice as Visiting Professor at UCL and Honorary Professor at Warwick University.

Her contributions have been widely recognised, including listings in Debrett’s Top 500 Most Influential People in the UK, Women of the Year Awards, and the UK Social Mobility Awards.