In a remarkable gesture of recognition, the University of Bedfordshire is bestowing honorary degrees upon Eileen Macleod and Maureen Bedford, two pioneering women in physical education.
At ages 90 and 95 respectively, the sisters will receive their degrees more than 60 years after completing their studies at Bedford College of Physical Education.
The honorary degrees are part of a broader initiative by the University to honor around 750 women who trained as PE teachers in Bedford between 1903 and the 1970s but did not receive formal degree qualifications.
The decision to confer these degrees highlights the enduring legacy and impact of these educators, many of whom were at the forefront of women’s education in physical training during a time when such opportunities were limited.
Maureen Bedford, who resides in Little Hallingbury, Essex, expressed her excitement and pride at the prospect of celebrating this milestone alongside her sister Eileen, who lives near Dundee.
“It’s a wonderful recognition of the hard work and dedication we and our peers put into our training,” Bedford said.
The recognition comes decades after several institutions in Bedford offered training exclusively for female PE teachers but lacked the authority to award degrees.
This discrepancy often led to inequities in employment conditions, as highlighted by former student Jackie Gregory from Wilmslow, Cheshire.
Gregory, who spearheaded a campaign for acknowledgment of these women’s contributions, said, “It’s amazing to see this recognition finally happening. It’s a testament to the value of their work and their impact on physical education.”
Until the 1940s, women training as PE teachers also received training in physiotherapy, adding to the breadth of their skills.
The University of Bedfordshire’s decision to award honorary degrees acknowledges not only the historical significance of their training but also the rigorous education they underwent.
Stephanie Daniels, who studied at Bedford College of Physical Education in the late 1960s and later served as a principal lecturer, received her honorary degree in 2022.
She noted the historical challenges faced by PE teachers, stating, “At that time, PE teachers were not seen as academic as English or language teachers because we didn’t have degrees. This degree is important for our status and recognition.”
The honorary degrees are being presented in two ceremonies: one held in 2022 and another scheduled for September 7, 2024, which will honor about 120 women and their guests.
Penny Kite, one of the younger recipients who studied at Bedford College between 1973 and 1976, expressed her gratitude for the honor.
Kite, who went on to teach at the University of Cambridge, said, “It’s a fabulous offer, and I am grateful for it. This acknowledgment means a lot, reflecting the hard work and dedication we’ve shown throughout our careers.”
Juliet Fern, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Education, English, and Sport at the University of Bedfordshire, emphasized the importance of this recognition.
She explained that while many women received certificates of education, their training had the same rigor as modern-day degrees.
“In the early 1900s, it was unusual for women to train at a college. These students left a lasting legacy, and awarding these degrees acknowledges their significant contributions,” Fern said.
The university collaborated with the Bedford Physical Education Old Students’ Association to identify and locate the women eligible for honorary degrees.
Jan Schofield, President of the association, praised the initiative, stating, “This recognition honors what these women have achieved in their lives, not just in physical education. It’s a celebration of their lifelong contributions and achievements.”
The honorary degrees represent a significant step in acknowledging the historical and personal contributions of these women, reflecting a broader recognition of their pioneering roles in the field of physical education and their enduring impact on the profession.
