New role to 'improve' education

It is hoped standards will improve across Denbighshire

A new head of school improvement is appointed after Denbighshire's education service was criticised by a watchdog.

Gareth Wyn Jones, an inspector with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education and Training in Wales, (Estyn) will take up the post after Easter.

A damning Estyn report in September 2007 eventually led to the ousting of former council leader Rhiannon Hughes.

Mr Wyn Hughes said he was looking forward to the "challenges" ahead.

"I am delighted to be joining Denbighshire County Council and working with colleagues and members to promote school improvement," he said.

"I look forward to the challenges ahead in modernising education in Denbighshire."

Mr Wyn Jones, originally from Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, is a former teacher, but has been inspecting schools on behalf of Estyn since 1990.

Council leader Hugh Evans said: "I am delighted that we have been able to secure Gareth's services in this key role.

"There has been a rigorous selection process that included interviews with a panel of head teachers and with young people.

"The council will benefit from his extensive experience in education across Wales as we drive forward the implementation of our plan to modernise education in Denbighshire."

'Below average'

Former council leader Rhiannon Hughes lost a vote of no confidence in October 2007 following concerns over the critical Estyn report.

It highlighted poor communication and "ineffective" political leadership at the council.

It also concluded that performance in the county was below average at ages seven, 11 and 16.

In 2006, Denbighshire came 19th of the 22 authorities in Wales for the percentage of students gaining two AS/A levels.

Last year, the council submitted an action plan to the Welsh Assembly Government to raise school standards.