Swansea University has proudly bestowed an honorary award upon distinguished alumna Gwyneth Hayward, recognizing her remarkable contributions to education and charitable endeavours.
Born in Bangor, Gwynedd, and raised in Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Gwyneth Hayward completed her undergraduate studies at Ardwyn Grammar School and graduated with a BA Hons in History from the University College Swansea in 1969. Her commitment to education led her to University College Cardiff for her PGCE in 1970, and she later earned her MA from University College Swansea in 1977.
Gwyneth's illustrious teaching career spanned the south-east of England and the Middle East, where she dedicated herself to educating A-level students. Her professional journey included senior management roles at prestigious institutions such as Bassaleg School, Bishop Gore School in Swansea, and Dr Challoner’s School for Girls in Amersham. In the private sector, she contributed to South Hampstead High School, City of London School for Girls, and Wycombe Abbey School.
Notably, Gwyneth played a pivotal role in education while in Saudi Arabia, where she served as a founding Governor of The British School in Riyadh.
Returning to Wales in 2000, Gwyneth immersed herself in charitable activities, becoming a Founding Trustee of the Aberglasney Restoration Trust. She has been a Welsh Government Member of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) since 2010, serving as Deputy Chair in 2016 and becoming the first female Chair in 2017. Additionally, Gwyneth has chaired The Welsh Historic Gardens Trust and contributed as a Board Member of The National Museum of Wales.
The honorary award recognizes Gwyneth Hayward's unwavering passion for her field and her outstanding contributions to education, both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, her dedication to preserving history and heritage through various charitable roles demonstrates her commitment to future generations.
On receiving the honour, Gwyneth Hayward said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award from Swansea University whose highly esteemed History Department did so much to help me to become the person I am today. They gave me confidence in my abilities, nurtured my love of history and confirmed my belief that history helps to identify who we are and provides the context within which we live.”