THE headteacher at a Wrexham primary school is set to retire this week after 17 years.

Simon Edwards' time at Hafod-y-Wern Community Primary School, means he is currently one of the longest serving headteachers in Wrexham.

He started his career in 1990, working in London and then going on to work for the British Embassy School in Abu Dhabi.

He has worked in numerous schools in Shropshire and Wrexham and was the deputy headteacher in Borras Park School, Wrexham and Harlescott Primary, Shrewsbury, before becoming the headteacher of Hafod y Wern Primary in Caia Park in 2007.

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The school moved into a purpose-built location in 2017 and since then have had numerous successes.

In 2018 the school won the National Award for Internet Safety, the National Breakfast Club award in 2021 and this year, won the National award for Kick Racism Out of Football.

 

Pupils from key stage 2 at Hafod-y-Wern School.

Pupils from key stage 2 at Hafod-y-Wern School.

 

With thanks to Commonwood Fishery, in Hope, the school has used the fantastic facilities to carry out a mentoring scheme and has taught more than 300 pupils to fish over Mr Edwards' 17 years.

Introducing the children to fishing has benefited pupils' mental health and introduced a lifelong activity.

Mr Edwards said: "I have faced many challenges in my time but have been supported over the 17 years by the governors of the school, particularly by Emlyn Jones OBE, the chair of governors, who sadly passed away in May 2023.

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"My goals were to ensure the children in Caia Park had equity of experiences and high aspirations. I wanted to make sure the pupils had a real affinity with the country we live in and our local football team, Wrexham AFC.

"The recent Estyn report is a testament to the hard working and dedicated staff we have at the school."

Malcolm King OBE, chief officer of The Venture and Community, and county borough councillor for Wynnstay ward, where Hafod-y-Wern is situated, added: "The running of a school is a very high pressure environment and very few stay as long as 10 years, Simon Edwards is retiring after being the head of Hafod-y-Wern Primary School for 17 years.

 

Retiring Hafod-y-Wern School headteacher Simon Edwards, angling with pupil Marshall.

Retiring Hafod-y-Wern School headteacher Simon Edwards, angling with pupil Marshall.

 

"It has been a long and sometimes very difficult journey of improvement, culminating in a fabulous report by Estyn following their full inspection earlier this year.

"Only 200 yards apart, The Venture and Hafod-y-Wern have been close neighbours for over 45 years. Many children attend both our organisations and as a result we have always maintained a close professional relationship.

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"I have watched the school steadily improve, often against the odds. Simon has achieved amazing results for the school as a whole and life changing results for many of its pupils.

"He has achieved this by dedicating his life to the school. His professionalism, compassion for his pupils and innovative ideas have been awe inspiring and he hugely deserves the respect and affection that his staff, pupils and parents feel for him.

"The whole community owes him so much and we will all miss him."