In 2007 I wrote in our Newsletter about the importance of giving everyone the opportunity to learn and make progress in a way that is most appropriate to them. For everyone to have high expectations, show respect for each other and take responsibility for their actions. When I wrote those things I was referring to the school I joined, Coedylan Comprehensive school. Of course we changed the name to Pontypridd High School but my sentiments remain the same and I believe we have been committed as a school community to achieving them.

We have a school to be very proud of and together we have faced different challenges and difficult decisions to make. Our strength has been to view many of these situations as an opportunity to change and improve. A time to be innovative, to be creative and to work collectively as a team to support each other and find the best solutions and a way forward that gives everyone the best chance to succeed.

This is one of the things I have enjoyed the most about being a Headteacher, using all the skills and talents of staff and students alike to achieve the success we all deserve. Indeed I have been fortunate to work alongside very committed, professional and inspirational staff colleagues. I would like to thank them for all the support in whatever way they have contributed to our school over the last 17 years.

Likewise, in my time as Headteacher I have met thousands of children as they have had made the transition from primary school to the time of their leaving. There have been great success stories of course, different characters to work with and so many fantastic achievements where individual children have grown into responsible young adults ready to take their place in society. Frequently I will hear of success for many of these children and the influence of our school is certainly impacting on places far and wide from Pontypridd. Long may that continue.

The positive relationships that have been made with different families have been a particularly positive and mostly enjoyable part of my role also. Of course there have been some disagreements and different views and opinions have been expressed but in the end we have to recognise that by working together we have a much greater impact on each child. Most important of all is that we have been able to celebrate so many achievements and events together from our annual Awards Ceremony to School productions and sporting events.

As Headteacher I have greatly enjoyed working with our School Governors. My thanks initially to Peter James as Chairperson and for most of my time as Headteacher Mr Bill Davies. A number of Governors have been in our Governing Body for the full-time I have been in post and their time and commitment to our school is always greatly appreciated.

As a school we work with many different partners and agencies, including the Local Authority and my thanks to all of them for them for the support they have given. To achieve any level of success it is almost always a team effort and we need the advice and support of many others to be the safe learning and work environment wee have continued to foster and provide.

My decision to finish has coincided with the changes we will see when the new, 3-16 Bro Taf School opens in 2024. I am delighted that Mrs Kayleigh Oliver will be the new Head of School for the last year of Pontypridd High, supported by Mr Rhys Ivins as her Deputy and my current leadership colleagues. I wish Mr Mark Thomas every success also in his role as Executive Head next year and with the new school. There are clearly many changes for everyone to work through but there is no doubt that the facilities all students, staff and the community will be able to use and benefit from will be fantastic in the years ahead.

Our school motto is ‘Learning and Achieving Together’ and I certainly could not have achieved anything without people working in this way. To be the Headteacher and work alongside you for so many years has been a great privilege and I will take such positive memories with me. I wish everyone connected with Pontypridd High every success for the future.

Thank you all

Huw Cripps

Headteacher

Pontypridd High School