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A headteacher described as “empathetic” and “inspirational” has been named headteacher of the year at the 2024 Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

Richard Owen is the head of Idris Davies School in Rhymney. Encompassing ages three to 18, the ‘super school’ has around 900 pupils.

The citation for Mr Owen’s award read: “Richard is a determined, empathetic and inspirational headteacher, who is highly thought of by pupils, colleagues, parents, and the wider community.

“He has successfully brought together three schools to create the highly inclusive and progressive Idris Davies School. Colleagues talked endlessly about Richard’s energy and dedication and his high levels of emotional intelligence and authentic leadership.

“Passionate about the whole school community, Richard has made a huge impact on standards and the aspirations of all pupils, irrespective of any barriers they might face.”

Named after the Welsh poet who was born in Rhymney in 1905, Idris Davies School recently had a positive report from Estyn inspectors.

Jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Caerphilly County Borough Council, as part of the 21st Century Schools programme, the school was designed in-house by the council and replaced Rhymney Comprehensive School, Abertysswg and Pontlottyn primary schools.

The award winners were announced at a ceremony on Sunday July 14 in Soughton Hall in Mold.

“Wales’ education secretary Lynne Neagle MS said: “We asked parents and carers, learners, teachers, lecturers, colleagues and the general public across Wales to nominate inspiring education professionals – and this year we received more nominations than ever.

“Our judges have been truly inspired by their visits to schools and colleges across all four corners of Wales throughout this process.”

Jamie Hallett, the head of Ysgol Gymraeg Gilfach Fargod and Ysgol Bro Sannan, in Bargoed, was also nominated for headteacher of the year.

Full list of winners

Teacher of the Year in a Primary School
Rhian Thomas, Catwg Primary School, Neath
Inspirational use of the Welsh Language
Alex Davies, Black Lane Primary School, Wrexham
Outstanding New Teacher
Hannah Jones, Ysgol T? Ffynnon, Shotton
Learning Support Assistant
Jo Wyatt, Ysgol Bryn Gwalia, Mold
Lecturer of the Year
Katie Davies, Bridgend College, Bridgend
Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School
Dr Gareth Evans, Ysgol y Creuddyn, Llandudno
The Betty Campbell (MBE) award for promoting the contributions and perspectives of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
Amy Grimward, Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy
Headteacher/Principal of the Year
Richard Owen, Idris Davies School, Tredegar
Learners’ Engagement in School/College
The Inspire to Achieve Team, The College Merthyr Tydfil
Learners’ Award for Best Teacher/Lecturer
Rhian Evans, Gower College, Swansea