THE interim headteacher of a school in Rhyl which is in special measures is to leave her role.

Bernadette Thomas became interim headteacher of Christ the Word Catholic School in November 2022, but will leave after the October half-term.

Christ the Word, on Cefndy Road, was put in special measures following an Estyn report published in July 2022, after an inspection took place the previous May.

Mrs Thomas will return to her role with GwE, the North Wales regional school improvement service.

In an email circulated to parents on Thursday (October 3), and shown to the Journal, the school’s chair of governors, John Droog, wrote: “I wish to make you aware of an upcoming change to the leadership of Christ the Word Catholic School.

“Bernadette Thomas was seconded to the role of interim headteacher at Christ the Word School in November 2022.

“As that secondment period has now come to an end, and given the significant changes with reorganisation of the middle-tier school improvement services throughout Wales in March 2025, Mrs Thomas has decided to return to her role in GwE after the October half-term.

“A headteacher recruitment process is now underway, and an advert will be placed imminently.

“Until the appointment of a new headteacher, interim measures will be put in place from the end of October.”

Cllr Diane King, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for education, children and families, added: “I do wish to put on record my appreciation and thanks to Mrs Thomas for her commitment to Christ the Word.

“In her time here she has not only stabilised the school, but she has also begun to re-establish the ability to improve. Her resilience and perseverance have been exemplary.”

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Wrexham said: “The diocesan education service wish to record their appreciation for the vocation of service given to the whole community of Christ the Word Catholic School including its primary partners, parish families and parent body since Bernadette joined the school in a secondment.

“She leaves with our blessings and prayers for the future.”

Mr Droog’s email concluded: “As soon as I am able, I will be in touch with more information.”

Christ the Word replaced secondary school, Blessed Edward Jones Catholic School, and primary school, Ysgol Mair, when it opened in September 2019.

The £23million school caters for children between three and 16 years old.