Meet Rhys Huws, your Regional Support Officer

Our new Skills Suite and Personal Project qualifications will be ready for first teaching in September 2027.

Meet the team that will be here to support you every step of the way in delivering these exciting new qualifications:

Can you tell us a little about your role and background?

“My name is Rhys Huws, and I am a Regional Support Officer in Wales. Prior to joining WJEC, I taught for nearly twenty years as a Geography teacher in a Welsh-medium secondary school in Pembrokeshire. During that time, I held a number of roles including Head of Department, Head of Year, Examination Officer, and Welsh Baccalaureate Coordinator.

I was a Welsh Baccalaureate Coordinator in one of the schools that piloted the qualification at Key Stage 4 in 2006. Since then, I’ve been involved with the qualification in a variety of different ways, and I’m a strong advocate for the development of skills which are extremely valuable for higher education and future employment.”

What does your role as a Regional Support Officer involve?

“As Regional Support Officers, our role is to offer advice, guidance, and support to schools delivering the Skills Challenge Certificate and the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales, and from September 2027 we’ll be supporting delivery of the Personal Project and Skills Suite qualifications. I really enjoy working as part of a team with knowledgeable and experienced colleagues.”

What does a typical day look like?

“There’s no typical day, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role. Some days involve responding to queries from coordinators who are looking for advice and guidance. On other days, we support colleagues with developing resources or delivering Professional Learning Events.

We also regularly contribute to teacher networks arranged by Local Education Authorities and collaborate with colleagues on the development of new qualifications, including the Skills Suite.”

What do you enjoy most about your role?

“I’ve been a Regional Support Officer with WJEC for nearly fifteen years, and it’s been a privilege to offer advice, guidance, and support to schools across Wales during that time.”

What’s next for you and the qualifications you support?

“With the changing landscape of qualifications in Wales, our aim is to continue offering a high-quality service to centres and stakeholders. As an RSO team, we’ll be supporting centres across Wales as they prepare for first delivery in September 2027.

I’m extremely excited about the new Skills Suite and Personal Project, and about the experiences and skills learners across Wales will gain.”