Winners announced at Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2019

Ten inspirational teachers and education professionals have been revealed as winners at the third Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

29 finalists from all across Wales were invited to celebrate excellence in education in a special ceremony held at Soughton Hall, Mold. Welsh comedian Tudur Owen and Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams revealed the winners of the ten categories.

Rhian Morgan Ellis from Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda took home the award for Headteacher of the Year. Nominated for her long-lasting and wide-reaching impact on the whole school community, she impressed the judges with her commitment and dedication to improving the educational opportunities for her pupils.

Rhian said, "It's an honour to accept this award and it's great to receive this recognition from the Welsh Government. It's a pleasure to accept this award on behalf of the team at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda.”

Gruff Arfon from Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor, was awarded Outstanding New Teacher. Nominated for his innovation and inclusive approach to teaching, he inspires all pupils across the school. The judges were impressed with Gruff’s innate calmness, and the way he puts pupils at the forefront of everything he does.

Gruff said, “I wasn’t expecting the award. It’s nice to get recognition for all the hard work with so many other teachers from across Wales. Everyone is working towards the same goal; to improve education for children.”

Winners:

Outstanding New Teacher

Gruff Arfon, Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor

Youth Work in Schools

Amy Bolderson, Pontypridd High School, Pontypridd

Supporting Teachers and Learners

Emma Gray, Bassaleg School, Newport

Best Use of Digital Learning

Phil Meredith, Caerleon Comprehensive, Caerleon

School Business Manager / Bursar

Gwyn Jones, Ysgol Eirias, Conwy

Inspirational Use of the Welsh Language

Mark Morgan, Pen Y Dre High School, Merthyr Tydfil

Teacher of the Year

Allison Pope, Cwm Primary School, Ebbw Vale

Promoting Collaboration to Improve Learning Opportunities

Gemma Carr Evans, Bridgend College, Bridgend

Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relations with the Community

Cadoxton Primary School, Barry

Headteacher of the Year

Rhian Morgan Ellis, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda, Porth

The Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, said: “The awards are a testament to the winners’ outstanding commitment to our education system in Wales. When we launched the awards three years ago it was because we wanted to celebrate the professionals dedicated to teaching our children day in and day out, and making our schools great places to learn."