Cyngor Gwynedd appoints new Head of Education

Cyngor Gwynedd has appointed Gwern ap Rhisiart as its new Head of Education.

Gwern has worked for the Council since 2015 and is currently Assistant Head of Education. He was previously deputy headteacher of Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle and before that was Head of Ysgol Coed Menai, Bangor. As an officer he has led work in the field of additional learning needs and inclusion and more recently he has supported the primary sector across Gwynedd.

Raised in the Llwyndyrys area, Gwern is a former pupil of Ysgol Bro Plenydd y Ffor, Ysgol Glan-y-Môr and Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, Pwllheli. Following this he studied education at Bangor University.

On his appointment, Gwern said: "As someone who has worked with children and young people throughout my career, it is a great honour to be appointed to lead the department’s work.

"I look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with our talented team of teachers, education officers and governors to help children and young people from all parts of the county and from all backgrounds to fully realise their potential."

Councillor Beca Brown, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet Member for Education, added, "I am delighted that the Council has attracted such an outstanding individual to this key post. Gwern brings with him a wealth of teaching and leadership experience to the role, and I warmly congratulate him on his appointment.

"Education is a priority for Cyngor Gwynedd, as highlighted in our Council Plan 2023-28. Our ambition is to deliver the best start in life for the next generation of Gwynedd residents, and we are confident that we will continue to move towards this goal under Gwern's leadership.

"A recent report by the Estyn schools’ inspectorate highlighted the fact that the Gwynedd Education Authority is in a strong position. I look forward to working with Gwern and his team, and the wider education community within the county, to build on the stable foundations that are already in place.”