A Filipino educator working at the highest levels of Britain’s school system has been included in the 2025 New Year Honours List, marking a rare recognition of Filipino leadership in UK education, according to a report by Inquirer.net.
Edison David, an education leader based in London, was appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III for his services to education in the United Kingdom. The honour places him among individuals recognised nationally for exceptional professional contributions.
David is widely regarded as the first person of Filipino heritage to receive an MBE specifically for work in the field of education. His recognition has been viewed as a milestone that underscores the presence and influence of Filipino professionals within international education systems.
Before building his career in the UK, David began teaching in a public school in Tarlac City. He later moved to Britain, where he advanced through leadership roles in the education sector and became part of national efforts to improve school performance.
He currently serves as Executive Headteacher of two schools in the London Borough of Lambeth that have both received “Outstanding” ratings. In addition to his school leadership role, David works as a Lead Inspector for Ofsted, the country’s official school inspection body, and as a School Improvement Adviser supporting school leaders, particularly in addressing achievement gaps among disadvantaged students.
Beyond school-level work, David has been involved in shaping national education policy. He has contributed to the Department for Education’s Headteacher Reference Group and Data Management Review Group, providing input to government ministers on reforms affecting schools across England.
“It is a tremendous honour to receive this recognition from His Majesty the King,” Edison David said. “I may have spent most of my professional life in the UK, but my roots are firmly in the Philippines. I carry with me the values I grew up with—resilience, humility, hard work, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.”
Throughout his career, David has focused on turning around underperforming schools, promoting inclusive learning environments, and using research-based approaches to improve student outcomes. His work has also taken him to international and national platforms, including speaking engagements at the OECD International Conference and the National Pupil Premium Awards, alongside ongoing involvement in system-wide school improvement initiatives.
The MBE will be formally presented at an investiture ceremony in the coming months, typically held at Buckingham Palace, where the medal is conferred by the monarch or a senior member of the Royal Family.
“This award is not only for me—it is for every Filipino teacher working hard in schools, whether here or back home,” David said. “I hope it inspires more of us to dream big, lead with purpose, and raise the flag of the Philippines with pride.”
