UK award for Old Colwyn school governor

Nov 4 2010 by Ian Hughes, North Wales Weekly News

A COLWYN Bay school governor has been honoured at the UK’s most prestigious teaching awards.

Phil Capper, chair of governors at Ysgol Bryn Elian in Old Colwyn, was named Governor of the Year last week. Judges described the 56-year-old as an “outstanding servant” to the school.

“We’re very proud of Phil,” enthused headteacher Eithne Hughes. “We’re so pleased but we’re not surprised he won – he is an exceptional chairman.

“If he hadn’t won, we don’t know who would have.”

Mr Capper began as a parent governor and has been a constant presence as chairman for the past ten years, alongside three successive headteachers.

A mariner by profession working in the offshore fishing industry, he has helped steer the school through some choppy waters.

A man of sharp intelligence and a member of Mensa, he invited the head boy and girl to join the governors and make the students’ voices heard.

Mrs Hughes added: “He is not just a meetings man. He’s always on the other end of the phone and really goes above and beyond.

“He’s a critical friend who will look closely at what you’re doing and advise you well.

“He’s very encouraging in terms of staff and likes to see innovation. It is the ability to recognise it which is what you look for.

“There was a lot of stiff competition. I’ve been involved with judging the awards and it was very tough.

“To be an UK winner takes someone very special. He is the best of the best.”

Phil was presented with the award by comedian Lenny Henry in a ceremony televised on BBC2.

“I have some outstanding colleagues,” said Mr Capper.

“It has been great to see the school go from strength to strength over the years.”

He became a governor while his son, now a policeman, was at the school.

“I’m absolutely surprised and pleased as well. It is very satisfying to see students doing well and achieving.”

Commenting on Phil’s achievements, the National Teaching Awards wrote: “He has encouraged the push for raised expectations and after a decade the school is generally accepted to be one of the most successful and respected in Wales.”