Former Ysgol Y Deri Headteacher awarded MBE
Former Ysgol Y Deri Headteacher Chris Britten has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Honours List in recognition of his outstanding services to education.
Mr Britten recently retired after dedicating his career to improving educational outcomes for children and young people in the Vale of Glamorgan and across Wales.
During a 40 year career, he worked at every level and in every sector of the education system and held key leadership roles in a range of subject areas including mathematics, ICT and music.
After moving into school improvement in 1999, he played a significant role in raising standards, enjoying exceptional success, particularly in the use of digital technology.
Mr Britten’s expertise was recognised nationally when he joined the Welsh Government in 2008 as a professional adviser, helping to deliver and implement the School Effectiveness Framework alongside leading international experts in education.
He also chaired the National Digital Learning Council, providing advice to Ministers on the development of ICT in education across Wales.
Most recently, Mr Britten served as Headteacher of Ysgol Y Deri from 2009, one of the largest special schools in the UK.
Under his leadership, the school gained widespread recognition, including featuring in the acclaimed BBC documentary series A Special School, which showcased the achievements and experiences of pupils with additional learning needs (ALNs).
Throughout his career, Mr Britten has been a vocal advocate for children and young people with ALNs, championing their potential and ensuring they are given every opportunity to succeed.
Mr Britten said: “This came out of the blue. I am incredibly proud and excited that my work has been recognised in this way. However, this honour is also for the astonishing people I have had the privilege of working with over the years and my heartfelt thanks go to them as well. 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.”
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education, Art and the Welsh Language, 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.”