Pupils help recruit new Swansea Education Director

Young people in Swansea have been involved in the recruitment of the city’s new Director of Education.

Helen Morgan-Rees was this week appointed to the role following a rigorous interview process which involved councillors, headteachers, senior officers and a youth panel.

It is the first time that shortlisted candidates for the post went before a youth panel where young people were able to question them and discuss their priorities.

The youth panel was made up of pupils aged between 11 and 17 from eight different schools in Swansea.

Mrs Morgan-Rees had been acting as Interim Director for the past four months and has a wealth of knowledge and experience having been in a number of senior roles in Education Improvement across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot since 2014.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Improvement, Learning and Skills, Cllr Jennifer Raynor, said: “I would like to warmly congratulate Helen on her well-deserved appointment.

“The coronavirus pandemic has brought previously unimaginable challenges to education during the last year and Helen has worked very closely with our schools throughout.

“I am certain that as we emerge from the pandemic our schools will continue to go from strength to strength under Helen’s leadership.”

Mrs Morgan-Rees said: “I am delighted to be appointed as director at such a crucial time for education in Swansea.

“I will continue to work closely with all our schools and I’m determined that we are able to offer the very best opportunities to the young people of Swansea who have seen their education disrupted by coronavirus during the past year.

“I would like to thank all involved in the recruitment process but I must congratulate the young people involved for their thoughtful and considered questions as part of the process.”