THE assistant headteacher of a school in Holyhead was among the winners at the 2023 North Wales Education Awards.
Hosted by radio presenter Phil Ashcroft at the Oriel Hotel in St Asaph on November 10, Paul Woodhouse, who left Ysgol Bryn Elian in Colwyn Bay to become assistant head of Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi in Holyhead in September, won the “secondary school teacher of the year” award.
Held on behalf of the Free Press, the Journal and the Pioneer, the awards highlighted and honoured the achievements of teachers, support staff, pupils, and students across North Wales.
He was celebrated for his commitment to helping business studies students realise their potential, by actively encouraging their participation in organisations such as Women in Finance.
By advocating for their involvement in such groups, he has provided them with valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to resources that can greatly benefit their career development in the finance industry.
Additionally, his efforts to partner Ysgol Bryn Elian with a charity brought with it new furniture and IT equipment.
Paul said: “I am honoured to receive the prestigious title of secondary school teacher of the year.
“This award is not just a personal achievement, it is recognition of the commitment of many teachers, support staff and, of course, the incredible students in Ysgol Bryn Elian and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi.
“I believe that education is not just about communicating knowledge, but about fostering growth, instilling confidence, and inspiring lifelong learning.
“I have been fortunate enough to be allowed to take risks both within and outside of the classroom, and provide students in our community with endless opportunities to start their careers.”
Elsewhere, Liah Williams, of Ysgol Pencarnisiog on Anglesey, was named “support worker of the year” at the awards.
Described as someone who “has always gone above and beyond for the school and its pupils”, she runs its breakfast club, is a higher level teaching assistant, and is the school's administrative officer.
Liah, who was not present at the ceremony to accept her award, also regularly organises events and trips for the school.
Ysgol Pencarnisiog said: “Liah is an incredibly kind, humble and giving person.
“She has worked so hard to achieve what she has and to reach where she has in her career, and deserves the praise and recognition that often goes missing.
“She is constantly going the extra mile for the school and the kids.”
Excell Supply was the headline sponsor of the North Wales Education Awards for 2023.
Other sponsors included Castle Green Homes, Wrexham Glyndwr University, and Bangor University.
North Wales Education Awards 2023 – Full list of winners
Primary School Pupil of the Year - Corey Hughes / Jacob Allman-Whitehouse / Ioan Evans
Primary School Teacher of the Year - Jodie Martin
Primary School of the Year - Ysgol Y Foryd
Secondary School Pupil of the Year - Dylan Roberts
Secondary School Teacher of the Year - Paul Woodhouse
Secondary School of the Year - Ysgol Eirias
Early Years Education Award - Jumping Jacks Day Nursery
Support Worker of the Year - Liah Williams
Teaching Assistant of the Year - Eleri Dennis
Head Teacher of the Year - Ian Gerrard
Specialist Provision School of the Year - Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn
Lifetime Achievement Award - Gaynor Roberts
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here