Executive headteacher of Pencoedtre High leaves role

Debra Thomas was assigned executive head of Pencoedtre when it fell into special measures after a dismal Estyn report which highlighted concern about internal truancy at the school.

Most recently, teachers held picket lines outside one of Barry’s biggest high schools earlier this month, refusing to work over lack of support in disciplining children.

Ms Thomas was described as a “voice of reason” in the dispute and it will be a blow to the school and governing body Vale of Glamorgan Council as they work to resolve the issues with NASUWT.

However, the council say Ms Thomas was always subject to leave the role, which was only temporary.

Ms Thomas has had a distinguished career turning round Cowbridge Comprehensive and seven years as assistant headteacher in Llantwit Major.

We saw firsthand her assured leadership skills when she hosted an emergency meeting with parents in April 2023, describing how her and her new leadership team would turn the school around.

Ms Thomas came in to replace former head teacher Lee Humphreys, who raised eyebrows by running two chip shops with his wife, Sam, on top of his job at the school.

In a statement, the council and the school said: “Debra Thomas took on leadership responsibilities at Pencoedtre in addition to her role as headteacher of Cowbridge School, becoming executive headteacher.

“This arrangement was always intended to be for a fixed period and has been in place for longer than was initially envisaged.

“The council would like to thank Debra for her work at Pencoedtre as she returns to focus fully on Cowbridge once again.”

Debra Thomas has left her role as executive head of Pencoedtre High (Image: Newsquest)

Teachers went on strike at the school over lack of support for discipline with more action threatened (Image: Newsquest)

Commenting on the resignation, Conservative councillor Rhys Thomas, chairman of the learning and culture scrutiny committee at VOG, said the development is concerning.

Cllr Thomas said: “These developments are hugely concerning and show that the Vale Council have failed to take responsibility.

“Debra Thomas faced a huge challenge sorting out problems at Pencoedtre School, and got little support from the Council who have sought to avoid blame at every turn.

“It’s time for the council to finally step up to the plate, otherwise it’s teachers and children who will continue to suffer.”

Barry's biggest high school has a 2023 to forget when it fell into special measures (Image: Newsquest)

• Pencoedtre school strikes: Are teachers getting support?

Vale Council added they are committed to improving the working environment at the school.

“We are fully aware of the issues affecting staff and are working with the NASUWT to resolve them.

 “The work taking place has been discussed with the trade union in regular meetings and includes steps to improve the working environment and update the school’s behaviour policy.

“Following Estyn’s recent visit, the council, senior leaders and governors are also committed to actioning the Post-inspection Action Plan (PIAP).

“This includes improving the provision to address the behaviour of a minority of pupils who have trauma-related issues.”

Parents, pupils, teachers, what is going on at Pencoedtre High? Is there violence in the school? How will the proposed strike action affect you? Let us know emailing harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.