New heads for Ayr and Kyle in the new year

At the recent Leadership Panel, members heard that Lyndsay McRoberts, who shares headship between the two secondary schools, will be leaving in February 2018 to take on a new role in South Lanarkshire.

It was unanimously agreed that individual headteachers will be appointed to Ayr Academy and Kyle Academy commencing the end of February next year.

However, to minimise disruption to the pupils and the staff at both schools, it was agreed that the management arrangements put in place in November 2016, where both schools support the Shared Head pilot, remain in place until the end of June 2018 – this includes retaining the executive deputy head teacher post in each school.

There has been no formal public consultation however, Parent Councils from both Ayr and Kyle Academy fully support the proposal.

Council members of the panel praised Mrs McRoberts, saying that she had brought the school on “tremendously well” since she began the Shared Headship, with the increase in attainment at every level of examinations with Ayr Academy.

There has been an improvement in pupil attendance and it is understood that due to a greater community and parental engagement, transitions from primary into secondary school have been “more effective”.

It is believed that having an individual, permanent, head teacher at the two schools, will provide a greater leadership to build on the current strengths and will allow each head teacher to maintain and improve on the current high standards that have now been set.

Cllr McGinley, said: “I think that it is important that we build on the success of what has been introduced - I think it has worked well. This headteacher has proven and stepped up to the mark of the demanding situation. She has done a wonderful job, so praise to that individual.”

Cllr Campbell, added: “I would just like to commend Mrs McRoberts - she has been an excellent head teacher for the schools and on behalf of the Panel, we send her best wishes.”