Meet the winning stars of the North Wales Education Awards 2024

The Rhyl Journal, Denbighshire Free Press, and North Wales Pioneer are once again proud to shine a light and to honour all those professionals who contribute to their schools and education initiatives within their communities.

The North Wales Education Awards honour the achievements of teachers and students across Conwy and Denbighshire.

We want to celebrate all those who have risen to the challenge over the past 12 months, who have overcome adversity, shown strength, have been innovative so that they can continue to encourage and mentor their pupils to help them achieve their full academic and social potential as well as developing parent engagement and support fellow members of staff.

Susan Perry, Group Editor, North Wales, said: “There are so many amazing things being achieved by our schools and education establishments, and we want our awards to honour their fantastic work and give them the recognition they more than deserve.

“This year, we’re shaking things up! Instead of our usual format, we’re stepping into the schools themselves to get a first-hand look at what it’s really like to be a teacher, headteacher, pupil and support staff.

“We’re thrilled to embark on this journey alongside our incredible sponsor, Excell Supply.”

The winners:

Specialist Provision School of the Year: Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn

Located in Park Street, Denbigh, Ysgol Plas Brodyffryn is a specialist school for those with autism.

The nomination: “Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn is an exceptional school.  Every single member of staff is fully supportive and empathetic to the needs of its pupils, supportive to the parents and have a very caring and positive attitude in its every demands.

“Working with autistic pupils can be challenging and rewarding in more ways than one yet the staff find ways to build on the pupils strengths. It’s a joy to watch them sing and play musical instruments at their Christmas concert as well as reciting some poems, stories- there’s a great amount of talent and the smiles on the pupils faces say it all.

“My daughter attends this school and started from Yr 8 having attended mainstream previously. A lot of patience and the right levels of support are now coming to fruition as she has grown in confidence, shows a lot more maturity and actually enjoys going to school. 

“I can’t think of a more deserving school to receive this award.”

Secondary Teacher of the Year: Gareth William Jones, Denbigh High School

Mr Jones is a teacher of more than 20 years, working at Denbigh High School in the position of Curriculum Leader of Design and Technology.

(Image: Newsquest) The nomination: “Mr Jones has created a learning environment which allows his learners to flourish and develop a passion for not only his subject area but for learning also. All displays and layout of the room allow learners to succeed and are also able to see work from learners past out around the room acting as role models from the school community. Mr Jones sets high expectations of all his learners from Year 7 to Year 13 with no exceptions, yet he does this without compromising the positive relationships he spends time developing. He provides learning opportunities to all learners that are well thought out, designed and with real world relevance. Learners are able to express themselves creatively and develop basic and vital skills they need for stepping out into the real world. All of this allows Mr Jones’s learners to be successful, whether that be successful for themselves or success in terms of grades and exceeding their targets.

“It is evident how much the learners and their parents appreciate the lengths he goes too. His department is always buzzing and this is due to the positive relationships he builds; the learners see his true passion for the subject and they feed off that. Learners love his lessons and clearly thrive; you only have to look at their faces in the room to see what they think of him and the subject (oh and formally hear their feedback in leaner voice activities). Every project that his learners complete allows them to fully work through the design process to create a fantastic product at the end of it. Learners and fellow colleagues clearly have the upmost respect for Mr Jones and he has created an open and nurturing department where the other staff within it are happy and feel so fully supported by him.”

Primary School Pupil of the Year: Elsie Croft, Ysgol Frongoch (now attending Denbigh High)

(Image: Newsquest) The nomination: “Elsie is a shining example of a year 6 pupil. She loves school and always has done from a very early age. She works hard and can be relied upon to undertake any task asked of her by her teachers. With this in mind she is a Bronze sports ambassador for Ysgol Frongoch and house captain.

“Elsie has competed for the Eisteddfod and her winning artwork was displayed last year. She plays for the school football, netball and rugby team and would do more if more clubs were available.

“One thing about Elsie is she will always give something a go, something that has been reflected in her school reports and by her class teacher Mrs Gregory.”

Secondary School Pupil of the Year: Brooke Sherwood-Day, Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin

(Image: Newsquest) The nomination: “Brooke is a positive role model in the school and community, regularly giving of her time to support the development of others, especially in the sporting arena.

“This year she was selected as a National Young Ambassador for the Youth Sports Trust following an application process and interview.

“Brooke is also very passionate about hockey and she is also a Platinum Ambassador for Hockey Wales, being involved in the running of events in both Swansea and Cardiff. Also involved at club level in the coaching of the junior section for both Ruthin and before exam pressure took over she would also coach at Denbigh hockey club.

“She plays for Ruthin ladies firsts and is a member of the Welsh hockey regional performance squad and was recently invited to train with the National U16 squad.

“Whilst doing all of this she continues to work hard in school, having secured an A* in her Maths GCSE, sat in November. We look forward to seeing her continue to flourish.”

Primary Teacher of the Year: Mrs Lucy Lea, Ysgol Melyd

Mrs Lea is a teacher at Ysgol Melyd, Prestatyn, to Dosbarth 4.

The nomination: “Mrs Lea’s super power is kindness to all pupils, her relationship with the children is very nurturing, patient, positive and trauma informed. Mrs Lea understands before a pupil can achieve their academic and social potential they have to have their emotional needs met.

“Mrs Lea introduced a new book in her class ‘I wish my teacher knew’ where pupils can write in it at any time. The pupils can share their worries, niggles or concerns they may have. This then allows Mrs Lea to support, guide and reassure that child through resolving any of these issues. Mrs Lea offers a safe haven in her classroom, with a listening ear and a warm and compassionate culture.

“My daughter has always been painfully shy, however since being in Mrs Lea’s class from September last year I have seen such a significant improvement in her. My daughter has grown in confidence, courage and bravery, before she wouldn’t put her hand up to ask a question, and now she is able to stand up in her class and complete an oracy presentation on various topics.

“My daughter told me Mrs Lea is the best teacher in the world, I asked her why? And she told me because she has the kindest heart and always smiles.

“My daughter is thriving in the environment Mrs Lea has created, not only in the classroom but also in the school grounds at play time and after school club.

“Every school deserves a Mrs Lea.”

Teaching Assistant of the Year: Louise Devine, Prestatyn High School

Prestatyn High School has more than 1,400 pupils. Louise works within the Additional Learning Needs department with one of the schools’ more vulnerable classes.

The nomination: “Louise has a heart of gold and continually goes above and beyond for every pupil she comes into contact with.

“The class that she supports think the world of her and will always ask after her if she is absent for any reason.

“She is thought of very highly by her colleagues and she is a dear friend to a lot of us. I think she deserves this award so that she can see that we all think she is absolutely amazing!”

Professional Leader of the Year: Dan Trevor, DIYPCS (Denbighshire Independent Young Person Counselling Service)

DIYPCS (Denbighshire Independent Young Person Counselling Service) provides counselling support to children and young people within Denbighshire primary, secondary and special provision schools.

(Image: Newsquest)

The nomination: “Dan is not only a fantastic clinical lead for our team, he has set up and continues to facilitate and coordinate several DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy) Groups within Denbighshire schools. This includes a special provision school and a group facilitated in Welsh.

“Delivering DBT within schools has been the first of it’s kind in the whole of the UK, and continues to be the only DBT offered in schools in Wales, a great achievement and much needed therapy for Denbighshire’s children and young people who are struggling with severe mental health.

“Dan travelled to Ireland, Canada & USA initially to research DBT in school and then single handily set up a DBT multi disciplinary team, involving educators & health (CAMHS).

“Dan is a very modest man, his achievements with DBT have been very much hidden within his professionalism, but honestly Dan has gone and continues to go above and beyond to provide this much needed therapy for the young people of Denbighshire.”

Primary School of the Year: Ysgol Emmanuel, Rhyl

The nomination: “  Ysgol Emmanuel is an amazing school.

“All of my children have been and the school is so supportive and inclusive of everyone and children with special needs.

“Everyone at the school is always helpful and put the children first. All children are treated as individuals.”

Early Years Education Award: Fun Days Nursery, Rhyl

Fun Days Nursery is a childcare setting that takes on babies all the way up to Year 6 children.

The nomination: “They made me feel very welcome and cared for as a member of staff, I am now on maternity leave after having my second daughter, but my first daughter is going there as a Flying Start child. She absolutely loves it, she has come on so well since being in the Flying Start room, her speech is constantly improving.

“It makes me feel so happy and proud to be her mum and a colleague of the staff that are helping her grow.”

Secondary School of the Year: Ysgol Aberconwy, Conwy

(Image: Newsquest)

The nomination: “Ysgol AberConwy is an amazing school who puts its pupils first.

“Personally, my son has had a lot of health problems since he started and they have been absolutely unbelievable. Amazing!

“They have helped so much that it’s made such a difference to his life, and education. I can’t even mention all they have done as there is just so much.

Support Worker of the Year: Mrs Ann Anderson, Ysgol Y Creuddyn

Ann Anderson is a pastoral officer for the sixth form at Ysgol Y Creuddyn in Llandudno.

The nomination: “The care and dedication that Ann gives to her job is outstanding. Nothing is too much for Ann. She really cares and provides the best possible care to all of the learners in the sixth form.

“She certainly has a positive effect on the well-being of our learners.”