THE headteacher of two Denbighshire primary schools has been appointed to an educational leadership academy that has a 'wide impact' on Wales' education system.

Richard Monteiro, headteacher of the Federation of Ysgol Bryn Clwyd and Ysgol Gellifor, is one of 12 new associates from across Wales appointed to the Welsh Government's National Academy for Educational Leadership (NAEL) to support its programme of activity over the next few years.

The aim of the academy is to provide strategic support for teachers in leadership roles, as well as providing encouragement for those who wish to pursue a leadership career in education.

The appointment of the new set of associates follows the publication of the NAEL's first commission report, ‘Inspiring Leaders – Enriching Lives: Our Call to Action’, which discussed how best to nurture and inspire the next generation of education leaders. It made a series of recommendations which are currently being discussed in greater detail with education practitioners.

Mr Monteiro said he is "very excited" to take on the role and will act as an "advocate of rural schools" as well as schools in more urban areas. He said: “I am very excited to be working as an associate of the NAEL which is providing the profession with a meaningful platform to inform national policy to develop leadership skills within the education sector.

"I am an advocate of rural schools and I am looking forward to working with colleagues from across Wales to improve our education system for the benefit of our pupils in all settings.”

The new associates were formally appointed during a dinner at Cardiff’s Marriott Hotel, attended by Kirsty Williams, minister for education. She said: “I am delighted to welcome the second cohort of NAEL associates to their roles. I am sure that they will all benefit a great deal from the experience and, as associates, their impact will be felt widely across our education system.”

Huw Foster Evans, NAEL chief executive, said: “We’re delighted these talented leaders have agreed to get on board and help us develop our work further. The team are also looking forward to our upcoming roadshows across Wales as we seek to create a system that ensures practitioners across Wales are able to engage with the most relevant, meaningful and inspiring professional learning.”

For further information visit the NAEL website.