THE newly-installed head teacher of Welsh-medium school Ysgol Bro Morgannwg has said he is looking forward to boosting the school's vocational prowess.

Hywel Price said he was looking forward to the challenge ahead as he assumes the helm of the top achieving Barry-based secondary school.

The 52-year-old succeeds Dr Dylan Jones in the role and said he was aiming improve the 1000 plus-pupil school’s excellent academic record.

Mr Price studied History at Aberystwth university, at the same time as Dr Jones, before graduating in 1984.

He previoulsy taught at schools in Conwy and Caerphilly; before becoming a deputy head teacher in 2008.

He became the head teacher of Ysgol Rhydywaun in 2010 and officially become Bro Morgannwg’s head teacher on January 4.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of leading a three-year-old to 19-year-old school with more than 1000 pupils.

“I want to spend the few months observing how the school works. We need to improve the site and I’m looking to make adjustments to the school’s curriculum with more vocational options. The school has a very strong academic tradition and I think what else we can do to engage all pupils.”

The pioneering school will also be at the forefront of embracing other educational changes such as the 2015 Donaldson report, but he said these would need to be done without impacting on staff morale.

“It’s a very exciting time for Barry," Mr Price added. "Whatever happens, there are going to be enormous changes. They have to be done for the right reasons – there has to be a legacy. The staff and pupils make it easy for you - the staff are very good.”

Outside of school-time, Mr Price is a keen runner and has completed the London Marathon once and the Washington DC marathon twice. He enjoys reading historical novels and history books, and is a passionate traveller having visited between 30 and 40 different countries.

The life-long dedicated Cardiff City FC fan was also a South Wales-based football referee and, in addition to guiding the school this year, will take part in Velothon Wales and Cardiff Half marathon.