Seren of the month - November 2025

The SSCE Cymru team would like to extend a heartfelt public thank you to this month’s Seren, Julie Stapleton.

In her role as Teacher Development Officer at Neath Port Talbot Council, Julie has been an outstanding advocate for all Service children and young people across the local authority (LA). Her dedication shines through in her coordination of LA and school staff network meetings, securing funding and working closely with the SSCE Cymru team to ensure schools feel supported in their journey to becoming Armed Forces Friendly Schools.

Thanks to Julie’s collaborative approach, six schools in Neath Port Talbot have now achieved Armed Forces Friendly Schools Cymru status, an incredible accomplishment for an LA without any main military units or bases.

To break it down: three schools have earned Bronze status, one has achieved Silver and two have reached Gold! This is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when schools and local authorities work together with purpose and passion.

Julie, we are truly grateful for your efforts and thoroughly enjoy working alongside you. We also recognise that this work represents just a small part of your wider role, which makes your continued commitment all the more impressive. Your impact on the lives of Service children in Neath Port Talbot is both meaningful and deeply  appreciated. Diolch/Thank you!

"I am absolutely delighted to accept this award on behalf of the team who are so committed to supporting Service Children in NPT schools. This recognition reflects on my work with the School Service Champions in Neath Port Talbot who never fail to amaze me with their energy enthusiasm and commitment to raising the profile of Service Children." Julie