THE former assistant headteacher and director of sixth form at Bishop Heber High School has taken up a top position at Coleg Cambria Yale in Wrexham.

Simon Woodward is joining the college as part of a £20 million revamp and he will be joined by Gareth Jones, formerly of Oswestry School.

Gareth will be responsible for science, psychology, PE and maths, while Simon oversees the humanities.

"It’s fantastic to be here and both Gareth and I have already been made to feel very welcome,” said Simon.

“Starting together and both coming to Wrexham from large high schools means we have a similar approach and lots of ideas on how to move forward.

“This is a fantastic college and what strikes you more than anything is the pastoral care the students receive and the sense of independence and support there is here.

“There is a freedom but also responsibility, which better prepares learners for university and smooths the transition from school to higher education.”

Gareth, who has led two sixth forms previous, most recently at Oswestry School, grew up near Welshpool and now lives in the Wrexham area.

He agrees starting at the same time has given them an advantage.

“We have similar backgrounds, and both had ambitions to work in Wales," said Gareth.

"We are Welsh speakers which means we can be here personally for all of the staff and students.

“The scale of Coleg Cambria is immense so working together and bouncing ideas off one another is a positive, with me focused on the areas of maths, science, psychology and PE, and Simon on the humanities, languages, business and law.

“This is a more strategic role, we are looking at the bigger picture and already planning one or two years down the line, working alongside the lecturers and senior staff to ensure Cambria maintains its position among the very best colleges in the UK, especially when it comes to its amazing A levels results.”