THE deputy head teacher of Barry Island Primary School (BIPS) is celebrating five years of achievements before his departure for a top education role.

Dominic Broad, a former professional footballer who plays part time for Pontypridd Town, has been hired as an associate advisor to the Welsh curriculum meaning he will be directly involved with implementing a strategy to allow schools to embed the new curriculum in line with Welsh Government education minister Kirsty Williams’ proposed timescales.

The two-year secondment with Central South Consortium will be an exciting opportunity, he said, to be involved with developing the new curriculum for Wales and working alongside the most innovative schools across Wales.

Mr Broad said: “It has been an amazing five years at the innovative Barry Island Primary School. From achieving ‘Double Excellent’ inspections to leading trips to NASA, my experience at BIPS has been unforgettable.

“I have had the chance to be involved with creating the Barry Story Trail, setting up the Sony Learning Centre and leading a range of courses for Apple and Central South Consortium.

“Barry Island Primary School and our network of schools across the Vale of Glamorgan have been a pleasure to work with. I will miss working in such a dynamic and proud community.”

During his time at BIPS it gained excellent grades in its Estyn inspection, in 2014, when he was also appointed acting deputy head teacher - after one year.

He led the MaT (more able and talented) trip to NASA in America and established the school as a Purple Mash Training Centre in 2015.

BIPS featured in Estyn case studies, including effective school to school working and integration of children with special educational needs.

He was appointed permanent deputy head teacher in 2016 and in 2017 he created the Barry Story trail which used QR codes with children’s documentaries explaining the Island’s history. He established the school as a Sony Learning Centre; was voted chairman for the Vale deputy head teachers; and was a finalist in the 2017 Welsh Technology awards for best technology adopter.

He was invited to lead one of NACE’s three UK research and development centres.