THE headteacher at Ysgol y Preseli in Crymych is to retire at the end of the year after more than 10 years in charge.

Michael Davies will step down from his post on December 31, as well as retiring from his role as executive headteacher at Ysgol Caer Elen.

He will also be joined in retirement by Ysgol y Preseli deputy headteacher Iola Phillips, who will finish at the end of the Autumn term. She was appointed to the post of Welsh teacher in 2001 and deputy head in 2012.

In a letter to parents, Mr Davies said: “It was a privilege to be appointed as a geography teacher at Ysgol Y Preseli in September 1986 and it was an honour to accept the governors’ invitation to be the school’s fifth headteacher in February 2009.

“I would like to thank Mrs Phillips for her personal support to me as headteacher and her total devotion to the school in her work as pastoral, wellbeing, inclusion and care coordinator- ‘Mam yr Ysgol.’ We wish Mrs Phillips a long, happy and healthy retirement.

“I would like to thank both the current and former members of the governing body for their support, co-operation, kindness and openness. I would especially like to thank Mr Des Davies who has served the school so faithfully as chairman of the governing body for eight years, for his invaluable advice, guidance and personal support of me in leading the school during my time at the helm.

“I am also indebted to the members of the current senior management team who have supported me so loyally over the years but especially since the start of the Ysgol Caer Elen project in 2017.

“It has been a pleasure to work with such talented, committed and innovative staff members who have always been willing to go the extra mile for the benefit of our children.

“As a result, I am proud that Ysgol y Preseli is considered one of the best secondary schools in Wales.

“I would also like to thank parents and guardians both past and present for your support and co-operation and to the pupils for their hard work, dedication and loyalty and for always Remembering to Learn How to Live.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my 34 years at the school, including almost 12 as headteacher. I am very proud of the school’s successes on so many levels and I will treasure forever the myriad of memories and experiences I have of working with the pupils, parents, staff, governors and community.

“I wish the new headteacher and all at Ysgol y Preseli every success in the future. I know that I will miss everyone terribly and especially the children.”