Alun Griffiths has been head at Cefn Saeson for eight years

Laura Rhodes took an overdose in 2004. Her parents said bullying about her weight and sexuality at Cefn Saeson School in Neath had made her unhappy.

After an inquest, coroner David Osborne said the situation at the school had not been the main cause of her suicide.

Described as 'awesome', Alun Griffiths was named Headteacher of the Year.

Just before announcing his award, the ceremony heard Mr Griffiths - who is to retire in July - being described as "awesome", "the Richard Branson of teaching" and "first among equals".

Laura Rhodes was a pupil at Cefn Saeson in 2002

Presenting the award, BBC Wales' Colette Hume said: "When he arrived to take on the headship eight years ago, he said he wanted his school to be a place where 'success is expected and celebrated'.

"He has succeeded spectacularly in both respects. Last year the school achieved its best-ever exam results and the premises has now received excellent new facilities including a new dining hall, performing arts studio, music room and all-weather sports pitch.

"Not one to linger in the confines of his office, he is an out and about headteacher... He excels in taking his whole team forward - from pupils to governors, cleaners to senior management. He is the epitome of the school motto 'A fo ben bid bont' - 'He who wishes to be a leader must be a bridge'."

Just a few month ago, Mr Griffiths gave evidence at a widely-reported inquest into the death of former pupil Laura Rhodes.

The 13-year-old died last September after taking an overdose at her home.

Laura attended Cefn Saeson School from September 2002, before moving to a pupil referral unit in Bryncoch, Neath, in July 2003 - more than a year before her death.

Her mother, Yvonne Rhodes, said that after telling a friend she may be gay, Laura was subjected to regular homophobic taunts and was also teased over her weight at Cefn Saeson.

But Mr Griffiths told the hearing that staff had been concerned for Laura's safety and had exhausted all strategies to deal with the bullying problem.

"We have searched our consciences and have to say our consciences are clear," he said. "We could not have done any more to support Laura and her family."

Returning the suicide verdict, Neath Port Talbot coroner David Osborne said it was "indisputable that Laura was unhappy at Cefn Saeson" but added the situation at the school was not the main cause.

Teachers, headteachers and teaching assistants were nominated for awards in 10 categories by pupils, parents and colleagues.

There is no greater responsibility than teaching the next generation David Hanson, Teaching Awards Trust chief executive

Schools as a whole can also win accolades for demonstrating best practice.

The winners from Wales will go on the UK final in London later this year.

Among the awards presented at the ceremony in Cardiff were Lifetime Achievement, Outstanding New Teacher and Healthy School.

David Hanson, Chief Executive of the Teaching Awards Trust, described the winners as "ordinary people doing an extraordinary job, day in day out".

"We believe there is no greater responsibility than teaching the next generation and that these people deserve recognition at a local and national level," he said.

"The Teaching Awards offer everyone the unique opportunity to thank those unsung heroes of teaching who make a real difference to pupils' lives."

Outstanding New Teacher - Phil Jones, Eirias High School, Colwyn Bay

Working with Business in the Community - Julia Buckley Jones, Ysgol Gwaenynog Infant School, Denbigh

Headteacher of the Year in a Primary School - Peter Jones, St David's Church in Wales School, Cardiff

Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School - Alun Griffiths, Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School, Neath

Special Needs Teacher of the Year - Meinir Rees, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Plasmawr, Cardiff

Promotion of the Welsh Language in a School - Spittal Primary School, Haverfordwest

Teaching Assistant of the Year - Sharon Bowen, Dinas Bran High School, Llangollen

Teacher of the Year in a Primary School - Valerie Luxton, Model VA Primary School, Carmarthen

Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School - Ruth Williams, Bishop Gore Comprehensive School, Swansea

Healthy School - Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Caerffili