Education

“For me, it’s the best job in the world” – celebrating World Teachers’ Day

Published

1 month ago

October 6, 2025

ON World Teachers’ Day (October 5), the Welsh Government has highlighted the many ways people can begin a career in teaching — with salaries now starting at £33,700 and rising to £146,300 for headteachers.

Teaching remains one of the most rewarding professions, with high demand across Wales, particularly for secondary school teachers in key subjects such as biology, chemistry, design and technology, ICT, mathematics, modern foreign languages, physics and Welsh.

Routes into teaching

To encourage more people into the profession, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, has confirmed a package of incentives for 2026. These include the Priority Subject Incentive, Minority Ethnic Incentive, and the Welsh-language incentive Iaith Athrawon Yfory.
Postgraduate incentives of up to £25,000 are available for those taking the non-salaried route.

A popular alternative is the salaried route, introduced by the Welsh Government in 2020 and delivered by the Open University Initial Teacher Education partnership. The two-year PGCE allows trainees to qualify while working in a school and earning a salary, with their training fees paid by the government.

Since its launch, 505 graduates have qualified through the scheme, with over 60% aged over 30. The route is open for both primary and secondary teaching, covering subjects such as science, maths, Welsh, English (including drama and media), design and technology, modern foreign languages and computing.

Earning while learning

One of those to benefit is Michael Rees, who began as a science technician at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun before completing his PGCE on the salaried route. Now six years into his teaching career, he also mentors new PGCE students.

Mr Rees said: “Every day that I teach feels like a privilege. To be part of a young person’s learning journey and see their interest in science grow is incredibly rewarding.

“For me, it is the best job in the world, and I’m grateful to have had the chance to earn while qualifying. Teaching lets me use both my science and Welsh language skills every day. I’d encourage anyone thinking about it to explore the options and go for it.”

“Vital to attract new talent”

Lisa Williams, headteacher at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Rhydywaun, said flexible routes such as the salaried PGCE are vital for Welsh schools.

She said: “Recruitment, especially in Welsh-medium schools, can be challenging. These pathways open doors for talented people who might not otherwise have entered the profession. They enrich schools with a wider range of experience and skills, strengthening the future of Welsh education.”

Government praise for teachers

Cabinet Secretary Lynne Neagle said the salaried route has transformed access to the profession.

She said: “It’s fantastic that more than 500 people have already trained through the salaried route. As it reaches its five-year milestone, this option continues to change lives and benefit schools across Wales.

“On World Teachers’ Day, I want to thank all our teachers and recognise the incredible work they do in shaping the next generation.”

Dr Sarah Stewart, Director of the Open University in Wales PGCE programme, added: “Five years ago our first salaried students joined us, and since then over 500 people have become qualified teachers. The two-year model allows people to keep earning and brings valuable life experience into the classroom.”

More ways to qualify

Other options include full-time or part-time PGCEs for primary and secondary levels, and a three-year undergraduate degree route for primary teaching. Financial support and maintenance grants may be available.

For more information about teaching routes and incentives, visit the Welsh Government website.

Education

Tenby school built just nine years ago needs new roof

Published

1 day ago

November 15, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

PUPILS at a leaking Pembrokeshire school, built just nine years ago, which now has more than 500 props holding up parts of its roof, are likely to be forced to relocate while a new roof is put on.

Tenby VC School, a 3–11 English-medium primary school with an additional Learning Resource Centre (LRC) provision, was built in 2016.

Just a few years after its build, there were reports of water ingress.

Initial investigations in 2023 identified the requirement for repairs to the flat roof areas, and in 2024 its solar PV array was removed to reduce the load on the roof following engineer advice.

Last November, a £75,000 feasibility budget to look at ways of tackling roof leaks at Tenby’s VC school, including a complete new roof, was backed by members of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet.

At the time, Cabinet Member for Education and Welsh Language Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “A number of [areas of water ingress] have been repaired, but unfortunately a number of leaks have resulted in a weakening of the structure and components within the roof construction.”

In response to the findings of the feasibility study, the council has implemented a series of urgent health and safety measures to mitigate immediate risks, a report for members at the November 2025 Cabinet meeting said.

These include the installation of 510 ‘acro’ props to support vulnerable roof areas and the full closure of the Early Years/Playgroup wing, along with regular inspections.

At the meeting, members received a report detailing the findings of the feasibility study, presented by Cllr Woodham, with a favoured option of the replacement of entire roof.

It said: “Considering the recommendation to proceed with [full roof replacement] a comprehensive decant strategy needs to be developed with all stakeholders and the community to ensure educational continuity, meet health and safety requirements and safeguard the wellbeing of pupils and staff throughout the construction period and following information needs to be considered in relation to any decant strategy.”

Cllr Woodham said he was “totally aware of the concern in relation to how this progresses,” adding: “The priority is the wellbeing of the learners and staff at the school, we’ll do everything to move as quickly as we can.”

Members backed recommendations that the School Modernisation Working Group be requested to determine the final preferred outcomes in relation to the Tenby Area, and that those recommendations be presented to full council in December.

They also backed tenders for the works being sought, with a further report to Cabinet, and a comprehensive decant strategy be produced; a report returning to Cabinet by January at the latest.

Business

Door supervisor training returns to Pembroke with new work opportunities

Published

2 days ago

November 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Six-day SIA course includes emergency first aid and unlimited resits

A LEADING security training provider is bringing its latest SIA Door Supervisor course to Pembroke next month, offering local people a route into full-time and flexible work across the events and security industry.

RM Training and Security Solutions Ltd will run the six-day course from 1–6 December, with the option to include Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW). The standard course is priced at £300, or £350 including EFAW, with an additional £50 for unlimited resits, making it one of the most accessible routes into the profession.

The company, recently recognised as one of the best training providers of 2024/25 by Pembrokeshire County Council and Future Works, says demand for licensed security staff remains high across West Wales — particularly for events, hospitality, night-time economy venues and seasonal activities.

Local opportunity

The course offers a mix of classroom learning and practical scenarios, delivered by experienced industry instructors. Organisers say trainees can expect:

Funding options (subject to eligibility)
Free daily refreshments
Results within four days
Access to job opportunities once a licence is issued

With major events in Tenby, Pembroke, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest routinely seeking licensed door staff, the programme is expected to attract strong local interest.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said the course continues to draw people from a range of backgrounds: “We train complete beginners, people changing careers, and those already working in hospitality or retail who want extra qualifications. There is always work available for good, reliable staff.”

Wider availability

Alongside Pembroke, the company also runs regular training in Port Talbot, Aberystwyth, Cardiff, Cardigan, Dartford and Kent, supporting learners across Wales and beyond.

Anyone wishing to book a place can do so online at:
www.rmtrainingandsecuritysolutionsltd.co.uk/security-training/booking-form

Enquiries can be made via:
[email protected]
07388 069 600 or 01834 526 418.

Education

Ten years of ‘Food and Fun’: Welsh holiday scheme marks milestone with awards

Published

2 days ago

November 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A decade of support for families celebrated, with Neyland Community Primary School among Wales-wide winners

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT’S flagship Food and Fun school holiday enrichment programme has celebrated its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of supporting thousands of families during the long summer break.

The awards ceremony, held earlier this month, recognised schools, volunteers, catering teams and health boards who have played a key role in shaping the programme. One of this year’s winners was Neyland Community Primary School, which received the Working Together Award, highlighting the strength of community partnerships in Pembrokeshire.

Ten years on

Food and Fun began as a small Cardiff Council pilot and has since grown into a national scheme coordinated by the Welsh Local Government Association and funded by the Welsh Government. It now operates across all twenty-two local authorities.

Each summer, the scheme provides free healthy meals alongside activity sessions, giving children a safe, social and active space during the holidays. Over the past decade, more than 800,000 places have been delivered. This summer alone, around 15,000 learners from 300 schools took part.

Education Secretary Lynne Neagle, who presented awards at the event, said the success of the programme was down to the dedication of staff and volunteers who work with partner organisations to offer enriching opportunities.

She said: “The value of our investment goes far beyond pounds and pence. Helping families enjoy activities, learn about nutrition, engage with friends and have delicious food is at the heart of Food and Fun.”

Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA spokesperson for Education, added that the programme’s strength lay in the collaboration between councils, schools and partner organisations.

Celebrating local achievement

Neyland Community Primary School’s recognition for its partnership work brings the national story home to Pembrokeshire. The school has long been praised locally for its community engagement, and this award places it among the top examples of best practice across Wales.

Full list of winners

Council Co-ordinator: Paul Williams, Neath Port Talbot Youth Service
Co-ordinator award scheme: Sabrina Amor, Herbert Thompson Primary School
Scheme Staff award: Luke Cross, Ysgol Cwm Brombil
Catering award: Sarah Lever and Caroline Clatworthy, Bridgend Catering
Volunteer Award: Harri and Sion Colthard, Ysgol Calon y Cymoedd
Health Board Award: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Sports Coach Awards: MonLife
Working Together Award: Neyland Community Primary School
School Impact Award: Gemma Ness, Ysgol Awel Y Mor
Outstanding Contribution Award: Angharad Williams, Ysgol y Gogarth
Children’s Choice Award: Justin Johnson, Torfaen Play

The Welsh Government has described Food and Fun as a model for ensuring young people stay active, healthy and connected throughout the summer, particularly during a time when many families feel financial pressure most acutely.