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Mr Edwards was made a knight for services to local and national education in the New Year's honours.

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He received his award at Buckingham Palace from Prince Charles.

Mr Edwards turned his college into one of the Government's first trust schools in September 2007.

By becoming a trust, the college has opted out of local education authority control to run its own budget and directly employ its own staff.

Mr Edwards has been a government education advisor for about five years and was also named as one of the first National Leaders of Education – outstanding senior managers who advise struggling schools.

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Describing the moment he found out about the knighthood, he told Garforth Today: "I was just shocked and very surprised.

"The college is a remarkable school, a great place to work full of remarkable teachers and support staff

"You don't get something like this without people working hard with you and I want to thank them all.

"It's a great honour. It's also very satisfying. I've just tried to give what help, support and advice I could over the years."

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