A FORMER headmaster has been given the highest honour for his services to education.

Tommy Cookson, 79, has been honoured with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of his services to education.

Mr Cookson, who was the headmaster of Winchester College between 2003 and 2005, received his nomination in January.

A dinner to mark this celebration was held by the Warden of Winchester college on Tuesday, May 24, which was attended by Mr Cookson’s family, friends and past colleagues.

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As headmaster of the three leading schools of Winchester College, Sevenoaks School and King Edward VI school, Southampton; Mr Cookson’s experience in the education sector prepared him for his role as founder and chairman of the education charity, S3 (now called Physics Partners) since 2007.

This project aims to support newly qualified and non specialist physics teachers in state secondary schools in eight regional hubs around England to increase teaching standards.

Hampshire Chronicle: Mr Cookson with the current Headmaster of Winchester College, Dr Tim Hands (left) and Sir Richard Stagg (right)

Mr Cookson, who now lives in Wrotham, said: “When I received the letter I was extremely pleased because it is a terrific compliment to the charity.

"I wouldn't have been given the award if it hadn't been for the fact that the charity is working very well.”

Physics Partners is organising their annual Festival of Physics, free and open to all science teachers and technicians from 9.30am to 4.15pm on Saturday, July 9 at Winchester College.

Go to winchestercollege.org/.

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