AN OUTSPOKEN and popular head teacher at a Newport secondary school has retired after 38 years in the teaching profession.

Jon Wilson became head teacher of John Frost School - formerly Duffryn High School - in January 2004.

Before coming to Newport, the Swansea-born teacher had taught at a number of schools, including Fairwater High School - now Cwmbran High School - and at a secondary school in Aberdare.

However it was during the 1990s that Mr Wilson felt that he wanted to take on a new challenge of becoming head teacher.

“I had always wanted to become a teacher,” said Mr Wilson.

“I studied at Cardiff and Loughborough universities and then became a teacher.

“Later I started to think of how else I could help the students. I felt that becoming a head teacher would be the best way of doing that.”

Following a three-day interview, the 58-year-old discovered that he had landed the top job at the former Duffryn High School.

“I felt a great amount of fear and elation,” said Mr Wilson.

“Ultimately with being head teacher everything lies with you.

“But these have been the happiest years of my life.”

Following a distinguished career - which included almost 14 years as head teacher - the 58-year-old believes the time is right to hand the baton on to someone else.

He said: “Of course I will miss it because this has been a huge part of my life and my passion is for education.

“My proudest achievement is seeing, at one stage, 20 per cent of our pupils achieving the top GCSE grades rising to 80 per cent.”

Mr Wilson said he has a lot of plans for his retirement and in September, “to stop the urge” to return to school he will be going on a cycling holiday to South America.

He added: “Despite me leaving, I do have some concerns for schools in Wales and they are budget and recruitment crises.

“But I’m leaving this school in a good state.”

Parent Suzanne Evans described Mr Wilson as a “wonderful” and “caring” head teacher.

She said: “My boys came to John Frost and he was wonderful to them.

“He cares for the pupils and he’s fair. He’ll be missed when he goes.”

Matthew Clarke, another parent, added: “My son Joe is a pupil and he thinks highly of Mr Wilson.

“He’s left a great mark and I’d like to thank him for everything he’s done for Joe.”

Mark Tucker will be taking over as head teacher in the new academic year.