Mike Matthews retires after 46 Years of service

20 June 2025

School Organisation and Access Manager Mike Matthews is retiring after 46 years of dedicated Council service.

Mike began his career in September 1979 as Clerical Assistant for South Glamorgan Social Services before being promoted to Senior Clerical Assistant four years later.

He held the position of Administrative Assistant for the School Section of the Education Department from 1989 to 1992, then moving on to the role of Senior Administrative assistant, a post he held until 2000.

Mike was a Team Leader between 2000 and 2001, then Principal Administrative Officer until 2009 when he took on his current role.

There has been no shortage of good wishes for Mike as he prepares to bid the Council farewell.

Ysgol Y Deri Headteacher Chris Britten said: “Happy retirement to the calmest, steadiest person I’ve ever worked with. Thank you for wise advice, counsel and friendship over the years.”

Sustainable Communities for Learning Project Manager Kelly Williams said: “Mike, wishing you all the best in your retirement! You’ve been a quiet force of knowledge, wit, and calm in the chaos — you will be missed. Enjoy every minute of your well-earned freedom – GOLF.

Welsh Education Officer Jeremy Morgan said: “Congratulations Mike on your retirement – wishing you all the best and thanks for your help over the years!”

Operational Manager for Strategy and Resources in Learning and Skills, Lisa Lewis added: “For myself, I have worked with Mike since 1990 and I am feeling pretty emotional about him leaving. Throughout all of that time, he has been so steadfast and supportive, and I can see his influence across so many of our schools. 

“He has been instrumental in countless School Organisation Consultations, ensured effective school place planning, overseen the admissions of hundreds of thousands of pupils, managed the thankless task that is school transport and genuinely been one of the unsung heroes of the Education Service. I am going to miss his humour, organisational knowledge and his memory of almost every change to every school made in the last few decades.”

Chief Executive Rob Thomas also added to the chorus of well-wishes: “Nearly half a century of service is no mean feat. Mike, it is clear you have made a real difference to the Council and a great many people who work here.

“From my personal perspective, I have known you and worked with you since my days as head of Planning and Transportation, with responsibility for home to school transport and when we regularly ‘touched base’ on issues relating to school catchment areas. You deserve immense credit for your contribution to the Vale of Glamorgan over a significant time. Very well done and here’s to a happy and healthy retirement.”

Here’s to a happy retirement Mike!