A former Ofsted inspector and government adviser has been named as Highland Council’s new interim executive chief officer for education and learning.
Paul Senior will take up the role at the end of month, and said he is looking forward to making the region one of the “best places in Scotland” for children to learn and develop.
In recent years Mr Senior has worked as interim director of education, children’s and adult services for several English unitary, borough, city and county councils – most recently Hackney, in London.
Education committee chairman John Finlayson welcomed the appointment.
He said: “Paul’s experience will be essential in developing how Highland schools approach the return to school in a way that supports the blended model of learning that schools will be following.”
Mr Senior said he would work closely with teachers and partners to add to the “real strength of collaboration” that already exists within the north’s education system.
He added: “I’m passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people through the work of education and will aim to bring this passion, along with experience and learning from my previous roles to the Highland area to work with our partners, schools and settings to help make Highland one of the best places in Scotland for children and young people to learn and develop.”