our headteacher governor:
Darren Morris
I started teaching at St Mary’s more years ago than I care to remember! My first class was a combined Year 3 and 4. Since then, I’ve taught Year 6 and later moved to Year 5, where I spent many happy years. Over time, I had a few periods as Acting Head before stepping into the role permanently in June 2024.
St Mary’s is a special school, right at the heart of a wonderful community. I feel incredibly proud to be part of it and to work alongside such a dedicated team, brilliant children, and supportive families.
Outside of school. I’m someone who loves being outdoors, especially walking in the Welsh hills. Over the years I’ve taken on a few challenges—walking across Wales in a day and completing the Three Peaks Challenge. Both were tough, but worth it (once my legs forgave me).
Travel is another big passion of mine. And as a family we love exploring cities around the globe—New York, Barcelona and Rome are some of my favourites, mostly for the food, the atmosphere, and the chance to bore Helen by pretending I know more about history than I actually do. We’ve recently bought a campervan, which has opened up a whole new way of discovering the British Isles. It’s been brilliant finding places we’ve never visited before, and there’s something special about waking up with a sea view and a cup of tea.
Football is my biggest love. I do get to Anfield now and then with my dad and brother, but Wrexham AFC is where my heart truly lies. I’ve supported the club through the dark days, and me and my two boys go home and away. Watching the transformation under Ryan and Rob has been surreal, emotional, and absolutely brilliant. We’ve loved every minute of the journey and still can’t quite believe how far the club has come.
I also follow the Welsh national team, and used to travel to home and away matches more often, but these days the fixtures don’t always play nicely with the school calendar. So I’ve become a bit of a sofa supporter.
Music is a big part of my life too. My family and I love going to gigs, especially indie bands. I love discovering new music, and one of my current favourites are The Royston Club—a fantastic local Wrexham band who are really starting to make waves across the UK. There’s nothing better than discovering a new band and seeing them live before they hit the big time.
When I’m not out walking, travelling, or at a match, I’m probably watching TV or films. I’m a big fan of true crime series and comedy—Alan Partridge is a genius as is Billy Connolly, and I’ve got a soft spot for the classics like Monty Python, Porridge and Dads Army.
