22nd February 2016
Dear Parents and Carers
In our letter in December 2015 we promised to keep you informed about the appointment of a new Head Teacher for September 2016.
The school’s governors advertised the post last month. It is a reflection of the school’s high standing that the advertisement attracted a strong field of applicants from leading schools across South, West and Mid Wales. A special appointments committee, of seven of our governors, shortlisted five candidates and spent three days with them in the week before half term. Each candidate had four interviews, three with the committee and another with a staff and pupil council panel. The committee also heard the candidates’ presentations about their ambitions for the school.
One candidate, above all others, met all the requirements of the post both personally and professionally. We are delighted to announce that the committee offered the job to Mr Nigel Jones, and that he has accepted. His appointment has been warmly endorsed by the full governing body and by the County’s Chief Education Officer. Nigel will take over the headship at Gowerton in September when Peter Harrison retires. Nigel is a local man, an historian and sportsman well known for his outstanding work as a former Deputy Head Teacher at Pontarddulais School and as the current Head at Pentrehafod. There he has done remarkable work in raising and maintaining standards academically, vocationally, culturally and in the school’s place within the wider community. He will be bringing his skill, drive and commitment to excellence to Gowerton. He is passionate that every pupil should have every opportunity to achieve their personal very best. Nigel is highly respected as a school leader by his pupils and their families and the wider community, and professionally by staff, fellow Heads and across the education field at County and regional level.
Over the coming months Nigel will be working with us both, and with all the governors and staff at Gowerton, to be sure that his transition to his new post is smooth and successful from the word go. He will write to you in due course to introduce himself. We ask you to give him a warm welcome as the newest Head in an illustrious line of leaders at Gowerton.
As ever we welcome your thoughts and comments, and are pleased to answer any questions that you might have.
You may contact us at the school through the Personal Assistant to Mr Harrison/Clerk to the Governors, Mrs Medina Evans, at the school office.
Yours most sincerely,
Deborah Lloyd Peter Harrison
Chair of Governors Head Teacher
