Leadership Story: Martin Evans

Headteacher, Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe

Who or what inspired you to be a leader in Wales?

As far as I can remember I always wanted to become a teacher. Never in a million years did I think that I’d be a headteacher! Being a headteacher was never on my agenda. During my A Levels and once I’d started my teaching degree, I began to think about leadership in certain roles. I certainly learnt a great deal from my previous headteacher at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe. It was during my time in the school that I enrolled on a middle management leadership course at Swansea Metropolitan University, and this gave me the opportunity to lead in my school and I think that gave me the belief that I could be a leader.

What do you actively do to inspire and support the next generation of leaders?

It’s very important to me for staff within organisations to participate in professional development activities such as, action research, community focused activities or middle management courses be it on a school or national level. It provides people with the necessary skills and even brings people out of their comfort zones to stimulate their interest and develop skills as potential leaders. Often, this naturally happens and as a leader it’s very important to identify and support staff as the next generation of leaders. We now have developed a strong ethos for professional learning and have a strong history of staff pursing leadership roles successfully.

As a leader, how do you model prioritising your own well-being as an example to staff?

I must admit that I find this element quite difficult and that I have had to work on. Being a headteacher in a large school has its challenges but equally I also know that you must look after yourself, having recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure. I’m very much an advocate of my own health and well-being including that of others too.  I think that compassionate leadership is key if not vital to creating healthy working relationships and environments. Last year, I introduced a change with one of my senior management team responsible for staff well-being. This continues to have a positive impact on staff well-being.

What book/professional learning opportunity/piece of research have you recently utilised to inform your leadership practice?

Since becoming a part of the National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales as an Associate, it gave the opportunity for me to reflect on my leadership journey. I quickly realised that I probably didn’t appreciate the amount of action research that I did 5, 10, 15 years ago and how that impacted my career. One of my first activities was to read some Insight Series papers published by the National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales. The ‘More than a sticking plaster’ by Dr Alice Davies paper discusses compassionate leadership and the demand for a change of culture. This resonated with me when I began my headship within my own school.  I think the message is very clear – as leaders we can often be sucked into the office completing the ever-increasing workload without looking and the fundamentals of what leadership looks like within your own setting. We must recognise weakness and strengths which makes stronger and inspirational leaders.

What has been a career highlight for you during your time as a leader in Wales?

There has been a few highlights so far in my career, but I must admit I’m extremely proud of my school family and leadership team when I gained my headship post in my current school, following a pandemic, a new build and an ESTYN inspection all within 6 months. Our current work on the new curriculum for Wales is something I’m very proud about having been asked to complete a case study for ESTYN following their visit.

Finally, the opportunity to be an Associate with the National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales and to access excellent professional learning opportunities, collaborating and working with other leaders across Wales, has provided me with a fresh challenge to develop further as a leader.

How have you connected and collaborated with peers beyond your own organisation to have an impact on the wider system?

Since becoming an Associate, I have actively engaged with my network and cluster groups and disseminated the weekly bulletin and shared with colleagues how to become an Associate. I have facilitated online events, and I was one of the guest speakers at the National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales stand in the National Eisteddfod in Maldwyn, Meifod in May/June 2024. One thing I would say is connecting with others is a must and highlighting the excellent work that the National Academy for Educational Leadership Wales offers which is first and foremost the best thing I’ve ever done.