Pupils will return to school under new leadership

Campbeltown Grammar School pupils will return on Monday after the summer break with the school under new leadership.

 

In a letter to parents and carers dated August 9, Argyll and Bute Council's executive director Douglas Hendry revealed head teacher David Fyfe is retiring from the role 'due to personal circumstances'.

 

Until a new head teacher is appointed, Mr Fyfe will be replaced by Sam Stewart, Dunoon Grammar School's depute head, who will take on the role of acting head teacher in Campbeltown.

 

Mr Hendry said: 'I am sure you will join me in thanking Mr Fyfe for his contribution to Campbeltown Grammar School during his tenure and wish him every success in his retirement.'

 

Mr Fyfe's departure comes after a challenging few years for the school during which it received two 'unacceptable' Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education reports.

 

And this year, the school was placed 334th out of 340 in a league table of Scottish secondary schools relating to the number of pupils leaving school with five Highers.

 

Argyll and Bute Council has insisted that steps have been taken to improve the situation and said that 'performance data shows improving trends in both qualifications and positive destinations reflecting further progress with improvement priorities'.

 

South Kintyre's councillors have responded to news of the leadership changes.

 

'It has been well documented that local elected members have been in constant dialogue with parents and the council during the ongoing situation at Campbeltown Grammar School,' said Argyll First councillor Donald Kelly.

 

'I have asked for changes in the current management structure and I am glad to see this is finally happening.

 

'The progress of the school will require to be monitored on an ongoing basis and I look forward to receiving regular updates from the director of education in this regard.'

 

Councillor John Armour said: 'I have always found Mr Fyfe very approachable and happy to discuss any issues that I raised and very forthcoming in highlighting his concerns too. I wish him all the best in his retirement.

 

'I welcome the appointment of Ms Stewart as acting head teacher and look forward to meeting with her.

 

'What is most important, though, is that the school gets some stability back and moves forward in a positive manner and that students and parents can now move on, confident that recent issues are hopefully behind them.'

 

Councillor Rory Colville added: 'I would like to thank Mr Fyfe for his work as head teacher during what has been a time of unprecedented disruption and wish him all the best in his retirement. I look forward to supporting the school in the future.'

 

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: 'Mr Fyfe has intimated his retirement as head teacher at Campbeltown Grammar School for personal reasons. He leaves with the council's best wishes for a long and happy retirement.'