Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili teacher in the running to be named top of the national class

A primary school deputy head is in the final to be named Teacher of the Year at the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

Carol Hesden, from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Caerffili in Caerphilly, was announced as one of three finalists for the category.

Miss Hesden was put forward for being a fantastic role model for her pupils and creating a safe environment for them to learn, understand their own abilities and achieve in.

Lynn Griffiths, Headteacher at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Caerffili, said: “The effect of the work Miss Hesden has developed and the projects she has led has had an impact on standards throughout the school.

“She has energy, she has patience, she has talent and I’m very pleased as head of school that Miss Hesden is receiving recognition for the fantastic work that she does.”

The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru, now in its second year, were created to celebrate the commitment, dedication and hard work of education professionals across Wales. Nominations were received from parents, students, colleagues and employers.

Education Secretary Kirsty Williams AM said: “Our national mission is to raise standards, reduce the attainment gap and deliver an education system that is a source of national pride and confidence. An integral part of this is about elevating the status of the teaching profession in Wales.

“That’s why it’s so important that we recognise the excellence we see in our schools every day, right across the country.

“The calibre of nominations we had this year for the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru was absolutely phenomenal.

“The finalists are a credit to the profession. They should all be exceptionally proud of themselves and I am very much looking forward to meeting them.”

Winners will be announced at a special ceremony at Hensol Castle on Sunday, May 13.