Other awardees from the borough include a professor from Kilburn who has been made a knight

The head teacher at two primary schools in Brent is among the borough’s committed residents and workers recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list today.

Sylvie Libson, head teacher at Oakington Manor Primary School in Wembley and executive head at Furness Primary School in Harlesden, has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE).

The committed head, who has around 22 years of teaching experience in the borough, said she was “speechless” to find out about the award.

She told the Times: “I found out about four weeks ago and was overwhelmed by the news. I have been keeping it quiet since then.”

Ms Libson, who was also formerly head at Fryent Primary School and acting head Chalkhill Primary School in Wembley, said: “I believe that all children can achieve great results given the right education and support.

“One of Brent’s great strength is it’s such a multi-faith borough and my passion is getting children to achieve their best and to acclimatise to their surroundings.”

Professor Michael Stratton, from Kilburn, is another resident to receive recognition.

Professor Stratton, who has been knighted for services to medical science, said: “I am thrilled and surprised to be honoured in this way.

“My area of work, exploring the genomes of cancer cells, is in an extraordinarily exciting phase, and this honour, as is usually the case in medical research, in large part recognises the generous contributions of the many colleagues I have worked with in my career.”

Other Brent workers and residents included in the honours list include Richard Rainbow, former deputy head of Malorees Junior School who has been made an OBE.

Olufunmike Olusola Omobola Asake Afuape, chair of the Afiya Trust, a charity which works to reduce inequalities in health and social care within racialised communities, has also been recognised her services to black and minority health with an OBE.

Gorande Bhatt and Willesden resident Jashoda Pindoria have been praised for services for the community in Wembley and Harrow and services to job seekers in East London respectively and have been handed OBEs.