Education

Milford Haven School crowned Exceptional Community Champions

Published

3 years ago

July 5, 2023

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL has made history by becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to be awarded the prestigious Gold Calon Y Gymuned (Heart of The Community) award. The school’s outstanding commitment to family and community engagement has earned them this remarkable accolade, presented by the Foundation of Community Engagement.

The assessment took place on Tuesday, when Sue Davies, representing the Foundation, visited Milford Haven School to evaluate their community initiatives. Impressed by their exceptional efforts, Davies not only awarded them the Calon Y Gymuned Heart of The Community award but also commended their hard work, dedication, and named them Exceptional Community Champions.

The morning was filled with excitement and pride as Davies shared her enthusiasm, stating, “What a wonderful morning we had at Milford Haven School. A school with a defined community culture, vision, and values. There is an ethos of no excuses, a collective responsibility, and a clear understanding that success is only possible if all community members are involved. There is a strong focus on building mutually respectful working relationships. This was exemplified by the wonderful Prefect Team and their amazing input into the Community of Milford Haven. MHS is a true Canol y Gymuned. The Foundation thanks you all for your hard work and dedication to your community.”

Milford Haven School, the sole secondary school serving the town, takes immense pride in being a community school. Recognizing their crucial role in shaping and supporting the local community, the school operates with a deep sense of responsibility. They diligently and creatively establish and nurture a robust network of connections throughout the town, ensuring the flourishing of their students and their families.

Ms Morris, the Headteacher, expressed her pride in the school community’s achievement, saying, “I am very proud of our whole school community. This award recognizes the hard work and dedication that our pupils, staff, and community put in every day to ensure that our young people and their families can thrive and take advantage of every opportunity. The Milford Haven community is extremely supportive and generous, and we are very proud to be a part of it. I would like to take this opportunity to say Diolch yn fawr to those in our community who continue to support us, and my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved that has led to us successfully receiving this award.”

Milford Haven School understands the significance of engaging and empowering their school community, especially in these challenging times. By fostering strong community support and collaboration, they provide invaluable experiences that enable their students to achieve success on their educational journey. This recognition serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to placing the community at the heart of their school.

The Calon Y Gymuned award not only signifies the exceptional efforts of Milford Haven School but also serves as a symbol of their dedication to the betterment of their community. As pioneers in community engagement within Pembrokeshire, they have set a high standard for schools across the region, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Milford Haven School’s achievement stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving and supportive community for all.

Education

Carmarthenshire schools praised as careers pilot expands nationwide

Published

1 hour ago

March 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOLS in Carmarthenshire have been recognised for improving careers education as a national rollout of a new award scheme moves a step closer.

The Careers Wales Quality Award (CWQA), which has been piloted since September 2023, has involved 66 schools and education settings across Wales. These include primary and secondary schools, special schools, pupil referral units and EOTAS provisions.

Among those taking part are Ysgol Glan-y-Mor, Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Ysgol Gynradd Llandybie and Burry Port Community Primary School.

Early feedback from the pilot suggests schools have strengthened leadership and planning around careers education, improved engagement with parents and employers, and increased pupils’ involvement in shaping their own learning. Teachers have also reported greater confidence in delivering careers-related lessons.

The scheme focuses on careers and work-related experiences for learners aged three to 16, aligned with the Curriculum for Wales.

Registration has now opened for schools across Wales to join the programme from September 2026.

The award is split into three stages — leadership, development and impact — designed to help schools build a structured approach to careers education and demonstrate its impact on pupils.

A national rollout will also introduce Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, aimed at recognising progress while allowing flexibility for different schools.

Mark Owen, Head of Stakeholder Services at Careers Wales, said the pilot had helped shape the scheme ahead of its wider launch.

He said: “High-quality careers and work-related experiences play an essential role in helping learners understand their options and develop the confidence and skills they need for the future.

“We’re encouraged by the positive impact we’re already seeing and look forward to welcoming more schools to take part.”

Education

Milford Haven School celebrates Year 11 leavers as ASPIRE awards evening

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL recently hosted a special ASPIRE celebration evening to honour its 2025 Year 11 leavers.

The event recognised the hard work and commitment shown by pupils throughout their studies, as well as their examination successes, while marking the start of their next chapter.

A highlight of the evening was a return visit from former pupil Ben Robertson, who attended as guest speaker. He shared his journey since leaving school, including building a successful career in digital marketing. Ben now works as a Digital Marketing Manager at Paragon Bank and was recently named Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2025.

Staff said it was a pleasure to welcome back former students and hear about the varied and exciting paths they are now pursuing.

The school also thanked award sponsors for their continued support in recognising student achievement.

Well done to the Class of 2025.

Education

Pembrokeshire schools recognised in Careers Wales pilot as national rollout begins

Published

1 day ago

March 24, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SCHOOLS in Pembrokeshire have been recognised for their role in a major Welsh pilot scheme aimed at improving careers education, as a national rollout prepares to open later this year.

The Careers Wales Quality Award (CWQA), launched in September 2023, has seen 66 schools and education settings across Wales take part, including Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi and Pembrokeshire Learning Centre.

The scheme focuses on strengthening careers and work-related experiences (CWRE) for pupils aged three to sixteen, in line with the Curriculum for Wales.

Early feedback from pilot schools highlights a number of benefits, including stronger leadership and planning, improved engagement with parents and employers, and increased confidence among teachers delivering careers-related learning.

Schools also reported that the programme has helped ensure careers education remains a consistent priority across school life.

Gareth Williams, of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, said: “Being part of the pilot has made us realise we are doing more than we thought.

“It’s encouraged us to rethink things like parent evenings by inviting employers in, and it keeps careers high on the agenda in everything we do.”

The award is delivered in three stages—Leadership, Development and Impact—guiding schools from planning their approach to fully embedding careers education and demonstrating its impact on learners.

Careers Wales says the pilot has helped shape the scheme ahead of its wider launch, with participating schools working closely with curriculum coordinators to refine the framework.

The national rollout will introduce Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, allowing schools to progress at their own pace while recognising achievement.

Mark Owen, Head of Stakeholder Services at Careers Wales, said: “High-quality careers and work-related experiences are essential in helping learners understand their options and develop the confidence and skills they need for the future.

“The quality award provides a clear and supportive framework for schools to embed this work across the curriculum.”