Mr James retired from his head teacher post in August 2011. He left the position having led the school to an 11% improvement on GCSE grades from 2010.
Upon receiving the honour he comments “I am obviously delighted at receiving this award, it has been a truly humbling experience. Whilst I am privileged to receive the MBE, I have worked alongside many wonderful people throughout my career who have been continuously supportive. I hope to continue my work within the sector with my role at New Directions”.

Gary Williams, Managing Director for New Directions Education Ltd adds “We were delighted to welcome Meredydd to the team. With his knowledge, passion and commitment to the education sector we knew he would add great value. The MBE is thoroughly deserved”.

The MBE award was established in 1917 by King George V. It acknowledges and recognises individuals work within their communities. Mr James has dedicated over 40 years of his career to the education sector.

Gerald Lyons, Chief Economist for Standard Chartered remarked “the UK has already slipped back into recession this quarter, and firms are thinking twice about making investments”.

In direct response to the report John Andrews, Group Director of Operations for New Directions Holdings Ltd says “As one of Wales recognised fastest growing companies, we continue to thrive despite the reported downturn. We acknowledge any change within the country’s economy cannot be ignored; so as we look to the future we try to develop new markets to keep Wales buoyant.”

New Directions Holdings Ltd continues to diversify into new markets. In recent years they have expanded into the rest of the UK with offices in Bristol, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham and London.

In response to the latest youth unemployment figures the New Directions Education team will be visiting schools in the region. This will include both Downend School and

Marlwood School to offer students the opportunity to take part in mock interviews.

Office Manager Gez Parker says: “We recognise the need to ensure school leavers are completely ready for the job market. At a time when the youth unemployment figure is over one million we have a responsibility to contribute to the Bristol of tomorrow. We were happy to respond to the invitation from the schools.”

New Directions Education Ltd has regional offices across the UK, and look to partner with schools and colleges to enhance regional growth.

Branch Manager Gez Parker will be helping students at Downend School brush up on their skills during a mock interview session where he aims to turn into New Directions very own Alan Sugar!! 

Gez was qouted as saying “ It’s an honour to be helping the students, I remember how nerve wracking it seemed when I was leaving school and preparing for the big wide world and it’s a pleasure to be helping the students at Downend to make the transition to the world of work a little easier”

 New Directions Education are always happy to help school pupils with their employment prospects.  Why not give the branch a call on (0117) 9200094  to see how we can assist at your school.

Now, Martin Spoor, Business Development Office, has been invited to join a panel conducting mock interviews for Y11 students at nearby Marlwood School.  In a series of twenty minute interviews, Martin will appraise students on their CVs, personal statements and appearance.  In this way, we are using our business experience to benefit young people, and raising our company profile as a credible and supportive organisation.

Members of staff from the Bristol office attended the universities Careers fair to talk to students about the benefits of classroom supply work whilst studying for their degrees.

Students were able to discuss a wide variety of roles such as Classroom Assistants, Nursery Nurses and Exam Invigilation.

Business Development Manager and Ex-Head Teacher Martin Spoor Said:

Students who choose to work in schools or nurseries whilst studying towards their degrees are not only gaining welcome spending money but are also gaining valuable life experience and a worthwhile addition to their CV’s.  The experience is extremely valuable for those hoping to go on to study towards a PGCE as they will be able to evidence their classroom experience on their Initial Teacher Training application forms.

New Directions Education is always looking for keen, reliable people to work in our schools and nurseries.  If you have at least three months experience in an educational setting and are interested in receiving further details on our roles get in touch with our Bristol branch 0117 920 0094

New Directions are always looking for NQT’s and experienced teachers for long and short term assignments throughout the South West.  For further information please call the branch on (0117) 920 00 94.

Representatives from the companies' Bristol Branch will be in attendance at the University's Teacher Fair.

Students will be given the opportunity to sign up as teachers, classroom assistants and ancillary staff to work at schools all over the South West.

Branch Manager, Gez Parker said:

This will be a great opportunity for Newly Qualified Teachers to sign up to our agency and gain experience working in a variety of different schools in order to build up their CV in preparation for that perfect permanent position

The Fair will take place on Wednesday, 26^th October between 11am and 4pm in the Roland Levinsky building on campus.