Plymouth professor honoured as Dame for lifelong work on social mobility

A professor at Plymouth Marjon University has been awarded a damehood in the 2026 New Year Honours for her services to education.

Emeritus Professor Sonia Blandford has been appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her work championing social mobility.

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Dame Sonia joined Plymouth Marjon University in 2021 and holds the title of Professor of Social Mobility. 

She has more than 40 years’ experience in education, having worked as a teacher, senior school leader, researcher, university lecturer and charity founder.

Her career has included roles as a music teacher, university dean, pro-vice chancellor and school governor. 

She is also the author of more than 50 books on education and social mobility.

Reacting to the award, 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.”

Dame Sonia grew up on the Allied Estate in Feltham, west London, in an area affected by crime, poor housing and struggling schools. 

Her mother was illiterate and her father learned to read as an adult, and Dame Sonia began working at the age of nine and held three jobs by 15.

She has previously said access to a local library and support from teachers who encouraged her musical talent helped her progress into higher education, shaping her later work to reduce disadvantage in schools.

Her achievements include helping to create the Teach First programme and founding the charity Achievement for All, which supports vulnerable children and families. 

She has also advised on teacher education work for the European Commission.

Dame Sonia has previously held senior roles at Oxford Brookes University and Canterbury Christ Church University and continues to work as a visiting professor at University College London and an honorary professor at the University of Warwick.