Mrs Sarah Arthur becomes first female headteacher at Tavernspite and Templeton Schools

Mrs Sarah Arthur has been appointed as the new Headteacher of the Federation of Tavernspite and Templeton School, making history as the first female headteacher to lead both schools.

She takes on the role following the retirement of Mr Kevin Phelps, who previously served as Headteacher of the Federation for eighteen years.

The appointment marks a significant milestone for both schools, but for Mrs Arthur it is also a deeply personal one. Having worked as Deputy Headteacher of the Federation for the past 16 years, she has played an important role in the life, development and success of both schools and has built strong relationships with pupils, staff, families and the wider communities.

Mrs Arthur has lived and worked in Pembrokeshire all of her life and has a strong connection to the local area. Her links with Tavernspite and Templeton are not only professional but also personal, with family connections to the schools adding another important dimension to her long-standing relationship with the communities they serve.

Over the past 16 years, Mrs Arthur has been closely involved in the development of the Federation and has shared in many of its successes. She is passionate about ensuring that the excellent standards achieved by both schools are maintained and built upon, while continuing to look for opportunities to develop and improve the education and experiences offered to every child.

A particularly important part of Mrs Arthur’s work throughout her career has been her commitment to Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

She has worked tirelessly to ensure that pupils with additional needs receive the understanding, support and opportunities they require to thrive, while promoting an inclusive school environment where every child is valued as an individual.

For Mrs Arthur, inclusion is central to school life, and she is committed to ensuring that each and every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential, whatever their individual strengths, needs or circumstances.

Speaking about her appointment, Mrs Arthur said: “I feel incredibly proud and privileged to have been appointed as Headteacher of the Federation of Tavernspite and Templeton School. Having worked as Deputy Head for the past 16 years, these schools have been a very important part of my professional life, and I have developed close links with the children, families, staff and wider school communities.

“My connection to the schools is also very personal, through my family links, and having lived and worked in Pembrokeshire all my life, I feel a very strong sense of belonging to this community. I care deeply about the schools and the children and families they serve.

“I am particularly proud to be the first female Headteacher of both schools. I hope that my appointment will inspire our pupils to believe that, with commitment, determination and the right support, they can achieve whatever they set their minds to.”

Mrs Arthur is equally committed to ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to flourish.

“Every child is unique, and it is our responsibility as educators to understand and support each individual child so that they can achieve their potential,” she continued.

“This is something I have always been passionate about, particularly through my work in ALN. Every pupil deserves to feel valued, included and successful, and I want that to remain at the heart of our work across both schools.”

Mrs Arthur is keen to build on the strong foundations established during Mr Phelps' leadership while looking confidently towards the future. She recognises the significant contribution he has made to both schools and is determined to continue the journey of success that she has been fortunate enough to be part of for many years.

“Kevin has made a tremendous contribution to the schools during his time as Headteacher, and I am grateful for the leadership he has provided,” she said.

“I have been privileged to be part of the journey alongside him and the staff, pupils and families over many years. I want to maintain the excellent standards that both schools have achieved, while continuing to develop and ensure that we provide the very best opportunities for our pupils.”

With 16 years of experience as Deputy Headteacher, a lifelong connection to Pembrokeshire and strong personal and professional links with both schools, Mrs Arthur brings to the role not only extensive experience but also a genuine passion for the communities she now has the privilege of leading.

Her historic appointment represents a new chapter for Mrs Arthur while also providing continuity for the Federation of Tavernspite and Templeton School.

For a leader who has already shared so much of the schools' journey, her appointment as Headteacher is both a significant personal achievement and an exciting new chapter in the continuing story of two schools at the heart of their communities.