Wrexham education chief announces intention to retire on eve of important inspection report

THE man at the helm of education in Wrexham has announced his intention to step down on the eve of an important inspection report.
Ian Roberts, chief officer for education and early intervention, has revealed he will be retiring from his post with Wrexham Council in August next year.
It comes as schools watchdog Estyn prepares to publish an evaluation of education services in the county later this week.
Mr Roberts first started working for the council in May 2017 and although he said his tenure had been short, he insisted it had been an enjoyable one.
He also promised to help his successor by starting to make any changes suggested within the inspectors’ report.
He said: “Whilst there are many challenges ahead there is much to celebrate in Wrexham.
“In particular we have some of the best primary schools in Wales in Wrexham, our results at key stage 3 have improved and are now above the Welsh average, and we are committed to supporting schools to achieve sustainable improvements at key stage 4.
“In addition, we are delivering some fantastic projects under the 21st Century Schools programme, including new schools, remodelled schools and extensions.
“Our education services were recently inspected by the inspection body Estyn, and we await the results of that in the very near future.
“I will, of course, be here to start carrying out whatever work the outcome of the inspection requires, and to ensure as smooth as possible a transition to whoever it is who succeeds me.
“My leaving date will mark 35 years to the day since I began working in the field of education in the public sector and I’m privileged to have had the opportunity to work for Wrexham County Borough Council before I decided to retire.”
The announcement of Mr Roberts’ departure comes shortly after it was revealed Charlotte Walton, the authority’s chief officer for social care, would be leaving in the spring.
The Estyn report will be published on Friday, around a week after inspectors placed Ysgol Clywedog secondary school in Wrexham under special measures.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter