Headteacher of Aberdare Community School, Mr Richard Owen, recently attended The 2025 Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate and recognise those working in Education and Skills. Mr Owen attended the celebration alongside guests from across the UK who have made a significant contribution to the Education sector. Mr Owen was invited in recognition of his contribution to the sector throughout his career in Education and to celebrate that he was awarded the Headteacher of the Year in the Welsh Government Professional Teaching Awards. In the summer of 2024, he was nominated by members of the school community for Headteacher of the Year and was announced by the Cabinet Secretary of Education, Lynne Neagle as the winner of this award in July 2024.
Mr Owen has a history of hard work and dedication to the Education Sector, having previously worked at Ferndale Community School, and at Idris Davies School 3 to 18 in the Upper Rhymney Valley, Caerphilly, where he led the amalgamation of three schools who came together to form the new all age through school, before being appointed as Headteacher in Aberdare Community School.
There to celebrate and congratulate the guests at the garden party was HRH King Charles III, HRH Queen Camilla and the Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson. The day comprised of networking with fellow guests, exploring the Palace grounds, enjoying delicious tea and cakes alongside enjoying a range of entertainment provided by the Military Bands who played throughout the afternoon.
Mr Richard Owen, Headteacher of Aberdare Community School, said: “It was a privilege to be invited to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and an honour to represent Aberdare Community School and Idris Davies School at this event. I am incredibly proud to be a Headteacher and am, and have always been, very fortunate in working with such dedicated, talented and passionate staff who go over and above on a daily basis to make a difference to the lives of our learners.”
Councillor Rhys Lewis, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and the Welsh Language, said: “I’m extremely proud that Mr Owen has represented Aberdare Community School at this royal recognition event. It serves as another special achievement for our Education Department and shows that the hard work and commitment of our staff is being recognised and thanked. I’m delighted that he has been able to represent our teachers and schools and I’m glad that he enjoyed.”
Posted on 24/06/2025