MBE for dedicated teacher

A FORMER secondary school teacher who was made an MBE in the New Year's Honours List has said he has struggled to keep it a secret.

Brinklow man Sean O'Donovan was recognised for his services to education after teaching at Cardinal Wiseman School in Coventry for over 37 years - his entire teaching career - before retiring as assistant head last July.

"I was a bit taken back when I received the letter," Mr O'Donovan told the Observer.

"You see so many people doing such a good job in education and I just feel so humbled to have been awarded.

"The letter strictly read that I couldn't tell anyone about it which was obviously very difficult because all I wanted to do was spread the news and tell somebody.

"I told my close family but I did find it very hard to keep my mouth shut whenever I popped back into the school and met with the pupils and staff."

Since starting at Cardinal Wiseman in 1974 he progressed through the ranks and played a key role in the creation of the farm inside the school which earned them a visit from Prince Charles and was recognised with a Teaching Award.

He also set up a link with two schools and a health clinic in Malawi, and organised fund-raising events for the project. He will continue to provide support to both the project and the farm as the school looks to earn charity status this year.

"Most of the things I have done at Cardinal Wiseman I could not have done on my own," Mr O'Donovan added.

"It has been important to have the full support and help from my fellow teachers, and I would like to personally thank year head Helen Knight for all of her help along the way."