Martin Evans

Martin Evans is head of Ysgol Gymraeg Pontardawe and before that was head of Ysgol Gwaun Cae Gurwen and Ysgol Cwmgors. He has been teaching since 2002 and an ESTYN Peer inspector since 2011. He has been headteacher at Pontardawe since September 2021 and the school had an ESTYN inspection in May 2022, where it was noted that the school had developed a rich curriculum as a result of preparations for the new Curriculum for Wales. As a result, the school was asked to draw up a case study about this. It is a school that is lively and offers many rich experiences to over 350 children. The Neath Port Talbot language immersion centre ‘Canolfan Iaith y Cwm’ is located on the school site.

Martin is also chairman of the Ystalyfera cluster of schools and a mentor to new head teachers. He is passionate about developing staff professionally at all levels and establishing an inclusive culture for the welfare of staff and pupils.

He is really looking forward to exploring new ideas and networking with other leaders across Wales by influencing commissioned work. He lives on the outskirts of Cwmtawe with his wife and three daughters. The girls attend Welsh-medium schools within their community. In his spare time, he likes to walk the dog and relax in the caravan in Aberaeron. He is also a big fan of ‘Crossfit’ fitness classes, and watching Swansea City when he can.