A leading education adviser based in Coventry has been awarded an OBE for services to children with special educational needs.

Professor Adam Boddison, Chair of the Corporation at Coventry College, has been recognised in the New Year Honours List for his work with children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Prof Boddison, who is Chief Executive of Association for Project Management (APM), joined Coventry College in August 2021 and has been influential in its drive to support access to education for all in the local community.

He said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to be recommended for this honour. As someone who has spent many years working in the education sector – as well as being a parent – helping young people thrive and succeed is something that is very close to my heart.

“There has been a huge amount of change at the college over the last couple of years, and it’s great to be part of a team that is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment and be able to give back to the city that has shaped my career.”

Prof Boddison is also a Trustee for a multi-academy trust providing education for 32,000 pupils across 58 primary, secondary and specialist settings as well as being a Visiting Professor at Stranmillis University College and the University of Leicester (School of Business).

He was previously Chief Executive for nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs), Director of the Centre for Professional Education at the University of Warwick, and Academic Principal for IGGY, a global educational social network for gifted teenagers.

Prof Boddison added: “Throughout my career, I have had the good fortune of working with many amazing people whose talent, enthusiasm and dedication have been a source of inspiration to me. I would like to thank them all for supporting me on my leadership journey. I hope to continue to use my platform to inspire others in the same way.”

Carol Thomas, Principal and CEO of Coventry College, said: “I’d like to congratulate Adam on behalf of everyone at Coventry College on this well-deserved honour.

“Adam joined at a vital time in the college’s development and we hope that he will continue to be a driving force across all areas of the organisation in the years to come.”