0 Brecon High School removed from special measures after significant progress

• Governing Body
• by Administrator
• 04-12-2025

A south Powys high school is celebrating a major achievement after being officially removed from special measures following a successful Estyn monitoring visit last month (November). Inspectors judged that Brecon High School has made sufficient progress against all recommendations from its previous core inspection – a milestone that reflects the hard work and commitment of the entire school community. Key improvements that the inspectors highlighted included: Raising standards at Key Stage 4: Expectations have increased, leading to a positive trajectory of GCSE outcomes over the last three years, with notable improvements for more able pupils and boys. Improved attendance: Rates have risen significantly since 2023 and are now above local, family and national averages, supported by strong pastoral care and targeted interventions. Better learning experiences and teaching quality: Professional learning has strengthened teaching, and most lessons are well-planned, challenging, and build on prior knowledge. Stronger leadership and self-evaluation: The appointment of a substantive Headteacher and improved senior leadership have created stability and ensured robust self-evaluation processes. Improved financial management: Effective collaboration with the county council has supported financial stability and strengthened monitoring processes. Rhiannon Evans, Brecon High School’s Chair of Governors, said: “The governing body is delighted with this outcome. It marks a significant step forward for our community and reflects the hard work, dedication and commitment of all involved to make Brecon High School the best it can be. “The governing body is proud of the progress achieved and will continue to work closely with the school to ensure standards continue to rise.” Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “This is excellent news and reflects the hard work and commitment of the whole school community and the council’s ongoing support for school improvement. I want to thank everyone involved for achieving this significant milestone.” Headteacher, Rob Edwards, said: “We are thrilled that Estyn has recognised the significant progress we’ve made as a school. This achievement reflects the teamwork and commitment of our entire school community – the unwavering support of parents and carers, the dedication of our exceptional staff, and the brilliance of our truly amazing students. “Our motto is ‘Getting better never stops’, but today we pause to celebrate and reflect on the hard work that has brought us here. This is not the end – it’s the beginning of even bigger and better things for our pupils as we continue to strive for excellence. “Thank you to everyone who has played a part in this journey. Together, we are building a future full of opportunity and success.” Dr Richard Jones, Powys County Council’s Director of Education, Dr Richard Jones, added: “This achievement is testament to the dedication of staff, pupils, and governors. The headteacher and leadership team have established a clear and ambitious vision for improvement, and this progress will raise aspirations even higher.” His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales confirmed the decision, and the full report is available on the Estyn website: Brecon High School – Estyn.    

0 Brecon High School Governing Body/Corff llywodraethu Ysgol Uwchradd Aberhonddu

• Governing Body
• by Administrator
• 27-10-2023

Brecon High School Governing Body   We are currently looking for a new Community Governor to join our Governing Body.   We would be delighted to hear from anyone who –   Is interested in children’s education and the performance of the school. Is community spirited and would like to represent the community. Has some time to spare and the energy for the role. Can work well with others. Can consider matters objectively and make informal judgements.   Governors give their time, skills and expertise in a voluntary capacity, to help their school provide children with the best possible education.  Governing Bodies are accountable for the strategic direction of their school and for the quality of education provided.   You do not need to have any experience or prior knowledge as access to training and information will be available, as well as support from the Chair, Clerk and other members of the Governing Body.   A Community Governor would bring their own experiences and skills to the Governing Body.  They are appointed to represent community interests to enable the Governing Body to add specific areas of expertise to the Governing Body, reflecting a balance of interests amongst the stakeholder group.   A Governor’s term of office is four years, and the Governing Body meets approximately six times per year.  Governors are also expected to sit on committees and undertake visits to the school.   If you are interested, please forward a personal statement to Beth Groves, Clerk to the Governing Body: beth.groves@powys.gov.uk, highlighting why you would like to take on the role and identifying any specific skills or knowledge you would be able to bring to the Governing Body.  If you would like any further information, please contact Rhiannon Evans, Chair of Governors: revans@brecon-hs.powys.sch.uk.   All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.           Corff llywodraethu Ysgol Uwchradd Aberhonddu   Rydym ar hyn o bryd yn chwilio am lywodraethwr cymunedol newydd i ymuno â’n corff llywodraethu.   Byddem wrth ein bodd i glywed gan unrhyw un sydd -   Â diddordeb mewn addysg plant a pherfformiad yr ysgol Yn llawn ysbryd cymunedol ac yn dymuno cynrychioli'r gymuned Â’r amser a'r egni ar gyfer y rôl Yn gallu gweithio'n dda gydag eraill Yn gallu ystyried materion yn wrthrychol a gwneud penderfyniadau anffurfiol   Mae llywodraethwyr yn rhoi eu hamser, eu sgiliau a’u harbenigedd yn wirfoddol, i helpu eu hysgol i ddarparu’r addysg orau bosibl i blant.  Mae cyrff llywodraethu’n atebol am gyfeiriad strategol eu hysgol ac am ansawdd yr addysg a ddarperir.   Nid oes angen i chi feddu ar unrhyw brofiad na gwybodaeth flaenorol gan y rhoddir hyfforddiant a gwybodaeth, yn ogystal â chefnogaeth gan y cadeirydd, clerc ac aelodau eraill o'r corff llywodraethu.   Byddai llywodraethwr cymunedol yn dod â’u profiadau a’u sgiliau eu hunain i’r corff llywodraethu.  Fe'u penodir i gynrychioli buddiannau cymunedol er mwyn galluogi'r corff llywodraethu i ychwanegu meysydd arbenigedd penodol at y corff llywodraethu, gan adlewyrchu cydbwysedd buddiannau ymhlith y grŵp rhanddeiliaid.   Pedair blynedd yw tymor swydd llywodraethwr, ac mae'r corff llywodraethu’n cyfarfod tua chwe gwaith y flwyddyn.  Disgwylir i lywodraethwyr hefyd eistedd ar bwyllgorau ac ymweld â'r ysgol.   Os oes gennych ddiddordeb, anfonwch ddatganiad personol at Beth Groves, clerc y corff llywodraethu: beth.groves@powys.gov.uk , gan amlygu pam yr hoffech ymgymryd â'r rôl a nodi unrhyw sgiliau neu wybodaeth benodol y gallech eu cyflwyno i'r corff llywodraethu.  Os hoffech unrhyw wybodaeth bellach, cysylltwch â Rhiannon Evans, cadeirydd y llywodraethwyr: revans@brecon-hs.powys.sch.uk.   Gwneir pob penodiad yn amodol ar wiriad DBS manylach boddhaol.