“We will strive to make sure that everyone within this vibrant school community can be the best they can be.”

That’s the message from Ysgol Calon Cymru’s first executive leader who starts her new role on Monday, January 6.

In a letter to pupils, staff, governors, parents and guardians, Janet Waldron said she was looking forward to the challenge after visiting the school late in the Autumn Term.

She said: “We aim to ensure that the four core purposes will be at the centre of our learning. For our pupils to be ambitious capable learners who are ready to learn throughout their lives; that our pupils are enterprising, creative contributors, who are ready to play a full part in life and work; that our pupils are ethical, informed citizens who are ready to be part of citizens of Wales and the world; that our children are healthy confident individuals.”

Ms Waldron said she was pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Jones as new headteacher of Ysgol Calon Cymru. He starts his new job this month initially for a two-year period.

“Working together with the current Senior Leadership Team with teachers, staff and pupils, we will strive to make sure that everyone within this vibrant school community can be the best they can be,” Ms Waldron said.

Mr Jones will be the secondary school’s second headteacher since it opened in September 2018 following Ionwen Spowage’s departure in April 2019.

He was a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Pontarddulais Comprehensive School and has most recently been seconded to Welsh Government advising and leading on several aspects of school leadership.

Chair of Governors Sharon Hammond said Mr Jones brings “invaluable knowledge and experience” to the school.

“Governors would like to thank the members of our Senior Leadership Team and all staff for their hard work and commitment to the school and our pupils during the long interim period,” she said. “We look forward to working with the team as we enter this new and exciting chapter for our school.”