A north-east teacher said a fond farewell to his school yesterday – for the second time.
Banff Academy rector Andrew Ritchie has led the school for three years but has now decided to tackle a new challenge at the council.
Mr Ritchie – a former pupil of the school – will be replaced by former Portlethen Academy deputy head Ian Stirling.
When he returned to the school, as head Mr Ritchie reintroduced the uniform in an effort to improve behaviour and school pride and has worked to build ties with the local community.
He has also been involved in the refurbishment of some of the buildings, and has got pupils working with the community on a variety of projects.
Mr Ritchie will now join the education service’s developing the young workforce programme.
Last night the outgoing rector said: “I would like to thank the staff who have supported me and worked so hard in helping me take forward these initiatives and improving outcomes for our young people.
Mr Ritchie thanked the pupils, parents, councillors and local people for supporting and helping to improve the school.
“I wish the school and the wider community every success in the future,” he added.
Until a new permanent head teacher is appointed for the autumn, the school will be overseen by Mr Stirling. The depute head of Portlethen is now a quality development boss in the education team.
Vincent Docherty, Aberdeenshire’s secondary school chief, wished Mr Ritchie all the best in his new role.
“As Andrew is a former Banff Academy pupil I know he has enjoyed his role as head teacher of the school.
“During his time at Banff Academy, Andrew has been working to improve learning and teaching by increasing pupil engagement and by enhancing and refurbishing the buildings and facilities.
“He reintroduced the school uniform to help improve behaviour and ethos at the school and he’s also established successful community partnerships including local boatbuilding, the Banff Academy Pipe Band and traditional music.”
Mr Docherty added that the council will now begin the process of appointing a permanent replacement.
“In the meantime the school is in the safe hands of Ian Stirling, who has a wealth of experience in secondary education and has been working closely with Banff Academy for the last couple of years.”