TEACHERS a Denbigh school have been put ‘at the top of the professional pecking order’ as their role in society was recognised for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Teachers and staff at Denbigh High School were flattered with pastries provided by Lidl as a gesture of recognition for the vital role they play in young peoples’ lives.

Kate Sutherland and Cllr Mark Young, chair and vice chair of governors for Denbigh High School, joined headteacher Dr Paul Evans to celebrate the importance of teaching for young and wider society.

Cllr Young, who is also Lead Member for Corporate Standards at Denbighshire County Council, said: “I believe we need to put teachers at the top of the professional pecking order. They have a huge responsibility to bring the youth into adulthood.

“Teacher Appreciation Week is much bigger in the United States which is a real shame. You’d think the teachers and staff had won the lottery when they received the gesture. I want teacher appreciation to be as significant here, which requires a cultural change that involves students, parents and the government.”

Denbigh High School also had personal cause for celebration as the school has been able to significantly reduce unauthorised absences since December 2017, testament to the hard work of teachers and staff in communicating the importance of school attendance to students and parents.

Cllr Young, whose work for Denbighshire County Council includes responsibility for anti-poverty, continued: “Education changes lives; it is proven to bring people out of poverty, and this can’t be done without teachers.

“Teachers have the ability to make Wales a better country.”

Ms Eirian Williams, assistant headteacher at Denbigh High School, said: “We were really surprised by the governors when they had brought pastries. It was a pick me up that the teachers needed, particularly at this time of year when exams, coursework can be draining.

“However, I think everyone appreciates a pat on the back for the work they do, not just teachers.

“Teachers do have a massive role to play in young peoples’ lives, not only with their academic education and qualifications but also to make them well-rounded people with all the skills needed in life today.”