Dear parents and carers,

Preparations for the next school year are gathering pace. I am looking forward to taking up post as Head Teacher at Gowerton in September, and am delighted to have this opportunity to introduce myself to you now.

Gowerton – both village and catchment area and school – are already very familiar places to me: I was born and raised in Swansea (I went to Dynevor Comprehensive School in the city centre and from there to Cambridge College of Art and Technology, where I studied and graduated in History). My teaching career began at Pontarddulais Comprehensive School as a History and PE teacher, and I went on to be a Head of Year, Affective Curriculum Co-ordinator and, for five years, Deputy Head Teacher. Since 2011 I have been Head Teacher at Pentrehafod Comprehensive School, where my brief has been to raise standards and outcomes for the pupils: my philosophy is that ‘pupils come first, last and always’ and I am proud to have led that school to unprecedented success in my time there, academically, culturally, in sport and other extra-curricular activities, and in promoting the Rights Respecting School agenda.

I know Gowerton School well, and have worked closely with the present Head, Peter Harrison, as a fellow Swansea Secondary Head and through the Welsh Government Schools Challenge Cymru programme – Peter has been our advisor at Pentrehafod. I applied for the Gowerton Headship specifically, because I fully identify with the aspirations and expectations of the locality, and the special qualities of a school that is at the centre of the community, and with a fine sixth form. I am exceptionally proud to have been chosen over a number of excellent candidates, and I relish the prospect of taking the leadership in September.

Since my appointment in February I have been working closely with Peter and the leadership team at Gowerton, and with Governors and all the staff of the school, to make sure that the transition is seamless. I have already had the pleasure of meeting many of your children and watching them at work and play.

My purpose will be to maintain and extend the high academic, personal and cultural standards established in Gowerton. I recognise the heritage, traditions and outstanding contributions of previous leaders, including the most recent successes under Peter’s headship. My philosophy of education is centred on the principles of mutual respect, high expectations and having a positive attitude to achieve the best for all pupils in our care. Good teaching and learning ensure high pupil standards, and positive relationships between staff, pupils, parents and governors are fundamental. When all members of the school community work together in providing this support, then each pupil has every opportunity to maximise their potential.

I look forward to getting to know you all in the coming months. My door is always open and I welcome your questions and comments as I work alongside all members of the community to ensure that Gowerton’s pupils continue to enjoy the best possible provision, guidance and challenge, to enable them to perform to their personal very best and to fulfil the school motto that Mi ddylwn, mi allaf, mi fynnaf – I should, I can, I will.

Yours faithfully

Nigel Jones BA, MEd