
January 10, 2025 - 369 views
Ysgol Emrys Ap Iwan, Abergele’s high school, is ushering in a new era under the leadership of Matt Wildsmith.
As he approached the end of his first term at the helm, the school was visited by Estyn, the school inspection service in Wales. The Interim visit was one of the first across Wales under the new Estyn framework.
Mr Wildsmith said: “We are delighted with the positive feedback contained within Estyn’s letter. We know what we need to do in order to continually improve, so that we provide the best educational experience for the young people in our care.
“It was extremely reassuring to hear that Estyn agreed with us. I am very proud to be the headteacher of such a warm school, where the whole student is put first. I am very lucky to have such a strong staff team who support and share the vision of the school.”
Estyn said in their letter addressed to Mr Wildsmith: “It was pleasing to see the way in which your staff embraced the process, and the openness they showed during discussions. It is clear that the school is in the process of strengthening its approaches to developing pupils’ skills.”
Leaders have introduced a number of supportive strategies to develop a stronger Welsh ethos across the school, including the creation of the ‘Pencampwr Cymraeg’ role. This is beginning to have a positive impact on pupils’ attitude to learning Welsh.
Leaders are taking a variety of sensible approaches to increase the impact that their work has on pupil outcomes
The newly developed approach to evaluating learning and teaching (‘Blinks’) is helping to foster a beneficial culture of reflection and collaboration.
Pastoral leaders analyse a range of information regarding pupils’ progress, attitudes to learning and attendance. The provision they put in place in light of their evaluations is having a positive impact on pupils’ well-being. They have also posed a number of questions for the school to consider so that it can continue to go from strength to strength.
The vision of the school is clear: to be the very best that it can be, providing a well-rounded education that prepares young people to be competitive against the best of the rest of the UK, while ensuring they are supported and guided every step of the way.
Mr Wildsmith, took on the role of headteacher in September 2024. With extensive experience in educational leadership and school improvement, his promotion from being the deputy headteacher brings a renewed focus on academic excellence and pastoral care. His leadership style is built on collaboration, inclusion, and ensuring that every student’s voice is heard.
He said: “My goal is to ensure that Ysgol Emrys Ap Iwan is a school where everyone feels they belong, where we celebrate individual achievements, and where we challenge our pupils to aim higher each day”
“I am incredibly proud to be leading a school with such a rich history and commitment to student welfare. I’m keen to build on the excellent work already in place, ensuring that Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan continues to be a place where all students feel valued, supported, and motivated to succeed.”
Mr. Wildsmith expressed his pride in the positive feedback, stating, “The feedback from Estyn reflects the hard work and dedication of every member of our school community. This is not just a reflection of the leadership, but of the collective effort put in by our fantastic staff, wonderful pupils, and supportive families.”