Bristol learning foundation chief executive awarded honorary doctorate

Steve Taylor, Chief Executive of the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), has been awarded an honorary doctorate by UWE Bristol.

Steve received his Honorary Doctor of Education on Monday 25 November, in recognition of his service to education in Bristol and the South West region.

He’s one of three individuals to be awarded honorary degrees during UWE Bristol’s autumn graduation ceremonies, which are being held at Bristol Beacon from 25 – 29 November.

On receiving his award, Steve said: “I feel greatly humbled by this award. It is a considerable honour from a university I have long admired, and whose values match both my own and those of the Cabot Learning Federation. It represents recognition of the work of colleagues in our region with whom I have had the privilege to collaborate over many years.”

For the past 10 years, Steve has been the CEO of Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), a Multi-Academy Trust of over 35 entities, serving the educational needs of 18,000 children and young people aged 2 to 19. Since its inception in 2009 the CLF has grown to serve children across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset, and Gloucestershire employing over 3,000 people in a range of roles designed to help children to be successful in their lives.  The CLF is a founding partner of the Five Counties Teaching School Hubs Alliance and, via its CLF Institute, runs the Five Counties SCITT, as well as the Boolean Maths Hub, two Behaviour Hubs, and an Attendance Hub. 

Steve and his colleagues at CLF participate actively in a range of local, regional and national networks that are designed to support the broader development of the education sector for the benefit of all children. Steve is currently Chair of The Queen Street Group, an organisation of 45 multi-academy trusts and holds governance roles in other parts of the education sector.  In 2015 he was appointed as a National Leader in Education. He is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, and a trained Lead Inspector for Ofsted.   

Professor Yvonne Beach, UWE Bristol’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Business and Law, said: “At UWE Bristol, our purpose is to transform futures and inspire people – values Steve has exemplified throughout his career in education.

“As a CLF Trustee, I have had the privilege of witnessing Steve’s remarkable impact firsthand. His calm, uncompromising leadership fosters CLF’s commitment to equity, driven by a passion that resonates nationally. For him, education is about shaping future citizens who will positively impact their communities and the world.

“Steve’s work reminds us that education is about more than academic results; it is about building a supportive environment where students can thrive, and communities can strengthen. His dedication has laid a foundation within CLF and beyond for lasting positive change and accessible learning.

“I’d like to offer my warmest congratulations to Steve as he receives his Honorary Doctorate of Education.”