Mr Taylor has been awarded a knighthood in recognition of his work to tackle educational inequality in the south west.
He is chief executive officer of the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), a multi-academy trust founded in Bristol, but now operating 36 schools between Gloucestershire and Somerset.
During his 11 years in the role, the CLF has tripled in size to serve more than 18,000 young people.
The formal citation from the Cabinet Office said: “Under his leadership, CLF has transformed schools in East Central Bristol, once among the most underperforming areas, into thriving learning communities.”
Mr Taylor said: “A real benefit of being recognised in this way is it puts teaching and education in the spotlight.
“It’s just a fabulous career and I hear people grumbling about teenagers occasionally, and I just don’t see it. They’re such fantastic company.
“To have an opportunity to teach young people and see them develop, it’s such a privilege.”