Newtown High School's current headteacher, Rob Edwards, is set to take on a new role as acting headteacher at Brecon High School, Powys County Council has announced.

The decision comes after current headteacher Richard Jenkins has been absent from Brecon High School since the end of 2023 due to ill health.

The school's Governing Body has agreed to bring in Mr Edwards to cover the absence and ensure the smooth running of the school.

Starting from Monday, March 11, Mr Edwards will be at Brecon High School five days a week, as per the agreement reached between the council and both schools' governing bodies. The council has assured that the transition of leadership arrangements will be supported to ensure a seamless handover.

In a letter to parents, Chair of Governors, Rob Harper said:

"In return for our co-operation in this matter, the school will be receiving significant additional funding from the Local Authority. This will allow us to strengthen leadership across both of our campuses and help us address our own challenges."

"Both Natalie Havard (Newtown Campus) and Suzy Craddock-Bennett (John Beddoes Campus) have been appointed as Acting Interim Headteachers. Both have been integral cogs in the school's improvement journey to date and I would like to take this opportunity to wish them well in their new interim roles."

Cllr Pete Roberts, Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said:

“I would like to thank Newtown High School Governing Body in agreeing to allow Mr Edwards to take the position of acting headteacher at Brecon High School.

“The council will support with Brecon High School to ensure a smooth transition of leadership arrangements. It is also providing support to Newtown High School to make sure that this agreement does not disadvantage the school.

“We would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr Jenkins a speedy recovery.”