The headteacher at Pontarddulais Comprehensive School has been appointed as a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Janet Waldron, who has led the school for eight years, has been recognised by Her Majesty for Services to Education.

The school, which was rated as excellent across the board in its most recent Estyn inspection, has been hailed nationally for its work in driving up teaching standards and improving results for pupils.

Miss Waldron said she was honoured with the award which she said was for the whole school community.

“To be appointed MBE is an honour for me but more importantly for our school,” she said.

“I am so proud to be headteacher at this wonderful school and to work with so many dedicated and inspirational colleagues.

“At Pontarddulais Comprehensive School, we have outstanding pupils who are resilient learners, who push themselves to be the best they can be.

“This reflects very well on their parents, families and the wider community who have always been so supportive of all we are striving to achieve.

The news follows on from last month’s Professional Teaching Awards Cymru ceremony where Miss Waldron was named Headteacher of the Year in Wales.

As well as scooping awards, Miss Waldron has been chosen to be part of the first Associates programme for a new body tasked with inspiring educational leaders of the future.

Miss Waldron is one of 12 associates who will be working with the National Academy for Educational Leadership over the next few years in supporting the development of its programme activity.

The aim of the new National Academy is to work with partners across the system and will provide strategic support for those in current leadership roles as well as providing encouragement and inspiration for those who wish to pursue a leadership career in education.

Bringing many years of experience to the table, Ms Waldron said: “We see our role as ensuring the National Academy responds to the very real needs of those working in the Welsh educational system and especially those undertaking leadership responsibilities or looking to step up to leadership.

"We are looking to ensure that there will be very practical and relevant work programmes to help our colleagues feel they are part of a wider support structure, and that avenues of assistance will be on hand at all times.

“The associates of the academy are school leaders who work beyond their schools to support others as well as encouraging other excellent leaders to look beyond their schools and promote the concept of school-based system leadership”.