Leading education leader completes a Doctorate in Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Dr Tegwen Ellis, one of the leading education leaders in Wales, has completed a Doctorate in Education (EdD) in the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD). 

With a background as a teacher, Headteacher of a primary school and more recently as Chief Executive of the National Academy for Educational Leadership (NAEL), Tegwen developed a genuine interest in system leadership, a field that is growing in importance as schools, education authorities, and national bodies work together to improve learner results across the country. 

Explaining her motivation to study for a PhD, she said: 

“There was a lack of clarity about the meaning and practice of system leadership in Wales, and I was keen to explore the field academically in order to contribute directly to national policy and practice.”

Tegwen wanted to strengthen her ability to influence education policy, ensure her leadership was based on sound evidence and expand her professional network.  She added: 

“I wanted to contribute more effectively to national conversations and ensure that leadership in Wales is aligned with the challenges and opportunities facing the education system, particularly in terms of cohesion, collaboration and social justice.”

Tegwen decided to study a Doctorate in Education in UWTSD because it offered a unique opportunity to combine theory, research and practice with a particular focus on the Welsh context.  She said:

“The course allowed me to explore current issues such as curriculum reform, additional learning needs, and the Welsh language, developing qualitative research skills and building an understanding of system leadership.” 

Tegwen’s research concentrated on defining and understanding the concept of system leadership in the context of education reform in Wales.  Her research was inspired by her personal experience of leading NAEL, and the lack of policy clarity which existed around ‘system leadership.”

“I tried to understand how leaders, consultants and policy influencers define and practice leadership, which goes beyond the boundaries of individual schools, thus contributing to improvement across the whole system.” 

Tegwen says that the support she has received from her tutors has been extremely inspiring. 

Professor Jane Waters-Davies and Dr Susan Jones were key to my success.  Their expertise and encouragement made a big difference, helping me to build confidence and tackle methodological and academic challenges.”

Professor Jane Waters-Davies said: 

“Tegwen has been an outstanding student on our Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD). As a dedicated, hard-working full time professional, she has succeeded to create time to concentrate on the theoretical aspects of doctoral study as well as locating her research directly within the field of practice. 

“Her dissertation is a relevant and important contribution to what we know about systems leadership in education.  This is especially relevant in Wales as the work uses a strong evidence base to support the effective development of such leadership within the Welsh education system.   She should be deservedly proud of her achievement; as her supervisory team, we are delighted with her success.’

Tegwen said that the course had: 

“Strengthened my confidence as a leader, widened my knowledge about education policy and prepared me to undertake a strategic role on a national level as Chief Executive of NAEL.  It has also fostered research, analysis and reflection skills which are essential for leading change and ensuring evidence-based leadership.”

One of the main challenges while studying on the course for Tegwen was balancing doctoral studies with the responsibilities of leading a national institution.  I had to manage time carefully in order to ensure academic progress while responding to strategic requirements and day-to-day work pressures.  Studying during the pandemic also proved to be challenging. 

“I had to adjust research methods, moving interviews to digital platforms and dealing with restrictions on access to schools.  This required flexibility, resilience and creativity to ensure that the research project remained robust.  Personally, it was a challenge to maintain a balance between work, studying and wellbeing, but I learned change management and prioritisation skills that are very valuable for the future.”

Tegwen would encourage anyone who wants to develop their educational leadership, especially those interested in influencing the wider system, to study on the course. 

“The course offers a national perspective, excellent academic support and the opportunity to make a real difference through research which is relevant to policy and practice in Wales.”

In December, Tegwen will stand down from her role as Chief Executive and consider partial retirement, with the clear intention of continuing to contribute strategically to the education sector in Wales. 

“I would like to work as a strategic consultant, using my experience and research on system leadership to inform policy and practice.  Contributing to national boards and strategic decision groups is a priority, as well as supporting current and prospective leaders to develop as system leaders.  I will also continue to share the results of my research through policy consultations and perhaps through further academic work, ensuring that my contribution continues to make a difference on a national level.”

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476