Headteacher


Company:	Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Salary:	£74,384 to £85,329 a year
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 4NT
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	1 Sept 2026
Closing date:	18 Sept 2026

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Summary

Ysgol Gymraeg Rhyd y Grug

Required for January 2027

HEADTEACHER (L15 – 21)

Welsh Essential

Grow - Learn – Succeed

Number of pupils – 286

Ysgol Gymraeg Rhyd-y-Grug is situated in the village of Aberfan in Merthyr Tydfil local authority. The school serves the children of Aberfan in addition to a number of nearby villages. Welsh is the main medium of the school’s life and work, and English is introduced as a subject from Year 3.

We are extremely proud of our inclusive and caring nature here at Ysgol Gymraeg Rhyd-y-Grug with Estyn highlighting:

‘Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Rhyd y Grug is an inclusive community that places emphasis on pupils’ well-being in a welcoming and friendly environment. Pupils are happy coming to school and show enthusiasm towards their learning. The staff’s caring nature creates a safe haven for pupils, and they know that they can turn to anyone if they feel anxious. Pupils have great respect for each other, staff and visitors’

We are looking for a Headteacher who…

• is a strategic and visible leader who can build effective relationships with all stakeholders, including pupils, parents and school team.

• has the wellbeing of all members of our school community at the core of their work.

• is a strategic thinker with a clear vision for the continued success of the school community and a proven track record of delivering excellence.

• is committed to the ongoing development of Rhyd-Y-Grug as a Welsh-medium community school.

• has excellent communication and collaboration skills enabling the continued development of effective partnerships with children, staff, parents, governors, other outside agencies and the wider community.

• shares our values, is approachable, supportive and passionate about the success of the staff and pupils.

• is a forward thinking, creative and inspirational leader, who is able to use evidence informed practice in ensuring that our curriculum and learning offer is based on a vision of excellence for all.

• leads and further develops the Welsh language and culture across the school, local community and County Borough as we continue to build our approach to learning

At Ysgol Rhyd-y-Grug, we can offer you:

• a school that is happy, welcoming, raises aspirations and is ambitious for continued success.

• staff that are dedicated, hardworking, caring and always go that extra mile for our children.

• pupils that have a real sense of belonging, who are respectful, eager to learn, creative and able to express themselves.

• a Governing Body that is committed to self-improvement, supports and challenges everyone to ensure they fulfil their potential.

• an environment that is safe, positive, welcoming which promotes and celebrates success.

• parents/carers who are supportive and involved and engaged in their children’s learning.

• a community that is inclusive, diverse, supports the school and cares about its future.

• An exciting opportunity to shape and develop the first Welsh-medium Learning Resource Base along with community facilities and a school-based Cylch Meithrin.

Closing Date: Friday, 18th September 2026

Shortlisting will take place on Wednesday 23rd September 2026, and the interviews will be carried out over two days on 7th and 8th October 2026. Candidates will be informed at the end of Day 1 if they are to proceed to Day 2.

A Candidate Pack has been put together to support you when you make your application, and a tour of the school has been arranged for 16th July 2026 and 8th September 2026. If you require further information, please contact Mrs Laura Griffiths, Clerk to the Governors (laura.griffiths@merthyr.gov.uk)

Applications through the medium of Welsh only due to the nature of this position.

You will be required to provide evidence of all qualifications specified as essential.

If you do not have access to the internet, application forms can be obtained by telephoning 01685 725000 and are to be returned no later than Friday, 18th September 2026 to HR Administration, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8AN.

Email: Human.ResourcesAdmin@merthyr.gov.uk

Ability to speak Welsh is essential.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is committed to protecting and safeguarding the most vulnerable people in our community. Rigorous pre-employment checks are undertaken for all appointments as part of our recruitment and selection process.

All employees are required to comply with their individual and organisational responsibilities under the Data Protection Act, the Information Security Policy and relevant supporting operational policies. Any matters of a confidential nature must not be disclosed or passed to any unauthorised persons or third party under any circumstance either during or after employment except in the proper course of your employment or as required by law, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council or both. Any breach of confidentiality may lead to disciplinary action.

We value diversity in our workforce and consider ourselves to be an Employer of Choice, committed to promoting and integrating equality of opportunity into all aspects of our work. We welcome applications from everyone and encourage applicants from all groups and backgrounds to apply and join us at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. We are strongly committed to eradicating discrimination in the workplace and ensure that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, disability, sex, race, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, religion or belief, gender identity and expression, and pregnancy and maternity.

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