Tributes paid to 'exceptional' headteacher Jaci Bates

Jaci Bates, who served as head of Woodlands Community Primary School in Cwmbran for 23 years, has been remembered as an "exceptional leader" and a passionate advocate for inclusive education.

Her influence extended across Torfaen and South Wales through her support of other schools and her work mentoring new headteachers.

Councillor Richard Clark, Torfaen Council's executive member for education, said: "Jaci first worked in Torfaen as a teacher at Garnteg Primary before becoming the headteacher of Woodlands Primary.

"She was an exceptional leader and headteacher, and in addition to her role at Woodlands, she worked as the executive headteacher of a number of schools across Torfaen and neighbouring local authorities.

"Most recently Jaci completed executive headships at Nant Celyn Primary in Torfaen and Millbrook Primary in Newport.

"Jaci also played a pivotal role in mentoring and inducting new headteachers to Torfaen and was always a passionate advocate for inclusive education and promoting the very best teaching and learning for all those children within her care.

"She will be greatly missed by all who knew her but will leave a lasting legacy in Torfaen."

Jaci Bates had only recently retired from her headmistress role and will be "greatly missed" by all who knew her (Image: Woodlands Primary School)

Mrs Bates was known for putting children at the centre of every decision and for her tireless work to create opportunities for young people.

Her influence reached beyond Woodlands Community Primary School, shaping the lives of pupils, staff, and colleagues throughout her career.

Claire Gratton, acting headteacher at Woodlands, said: "For 23 years, Jaci Bates was the beating heart of Woodlands Community Primary School.

"Jaci was an inspirational leader who placed children at the centre of every decision she made and always sought the very best for our pupils and community.

"Her loss has left us all extremely saddened, but her legacy lives on through the values, relationships and aspirations she instilled within us.

"We are committed to moving Woodlands forward with the same courage, compassion, and unwavering belief in the children that she demonstrated every single day."

Ms Gratton said one of Mrs Bates' greatest qualities was her ability to recognise and nurture potential in others.

She said: "The greatest way I can now honour her memory is to follow her example; to believe in others; to nurture potential and to invest in people as she so generously invested in me."

As messages of condolence continue to be shared, colleagues and former pupils have spoken of Mrs Bates' lasting impact on education and the many lives she touched.

Her legacy, they said, will live on in the generations of children, teachers, and school leaders she inspired.