Chris Britten, who recently retired after a 40 year career in education, led the Vale of Glamorgan’s Ysgol Y Deri from 2009 before stepping down.
Throughout his career, Mr Britten worked across all sectors and held leadership roles in mathematics, ICT, and music.
He moved into school improvement in 1999 and joined the Welsh Government in 2008 as a professional adviser, helping to deliver and implement the School Effectiveness Framework.
Mr Britten said: “This came out of the blue.
“I am incredibly proud and excited that my work has been recognised in this way.
“Working with children and young people with additional learning needs has been my passion for the last 15 years and I feel that this honour also recognises the importance of this sector.”
He chaired the National Digital Learning Council, advising ministers on ICT in education.
During his time as headteacher at Ysgol Y Deri, the school gained national attention through the BBC documentary series A Special School.
It is one of the biggest schools for children with additional needs in the UK.
Rhiannon Birch, cabinet member for education, art, and the Welsh language for Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I’m sure those that have worked with Chris will join me in wishing him huge congratulations on this honour.
“His dedication to education, particularly to supporting children and young people with additional learning needs, has made a profound difference to countless lives.
“Chris’s leadership at Ysgol Y Deri and his wider contribution to education across Wales are truly exceptional, and this recognition is richly deserved.”
Mr Britten said he shared the honour with his colleagues, whom he described as ‘astonishing people.’
He called the award a tribute not just to his own work, but to the entire additional learning needs sector.
