‘I’m so proud of our pupils’
Head hails‘outstanding’students
Strathaven Academy head teacher Kevin Boyd insists he is loving life in the town.
Mr Boyd moved to the Avondale high school eight months ago having previously worked at Prestwick Academy in South Ayrshire, where he was head of maths and depute head teacher while also spending a year as acting head teacher.
He made the switch to Strathaven Academy in June 2017 after 12 years and admits taking charge of a school has always been an ambition – even when he was working for supermarket giant Sainsbury’s.
“I knew about Strathaven,” the dad-offour said. “Strathaven is a relatively small place; everyone knows one another.
“I knew the school has a superb reputation and have passed through the town a few times.
“It seemed like a very close-knit community; and a fantastic community.”
He is still getting used to life in South Lanarkshire – but is keen to put himself to the public eye.
“I’m out and about at intervals and lunchtimes and make sure I’m supervising and talking to pupils and getting to know them that way,” Mr Boyd said.
“I had set myself a target of getting to visit all the classes in the school before Christmas – even if it was only for five minutes.
“It’s the same in the local community. Yesterday I popped into some shops during lunch time, speaking to locals and keeping an eye on litter.
“It’s important that people can see me and recognise me.
“The senior team are also very good at that and they will quite often check up with local residents.”
Mr Boyd studied maths and business at university before working in retail as a graduate trainee for Sainsbury’s.
Despite enjoying that, he hoped to one day return to education – after he was inspired by his own former teacher.
“I was in retail for almost four years,” he revealed. “What I would say about that is that there was really good quality training in leadership and management.
“I think that has stood me in good stead for education.
“What it also helped develop was people skills and that is essential in teaching when you are teaching a class, working with pupils or talking with parents or staff.
“When I was at school I really enjoyed mathematics.
“My maths teacher – Mr Good – I can still remember him clearly. He was quite inspirational.
“It’s often the case when you come into the profession that there is somebody who has made a difference.
“Even though I went into retail management in the first instance, I think I always had teaching in the back of my mind.
“It came to a point in my life where I was enjoying retail but every time you get promoted in retail you get moved.
“I was working from the north of England to the north of Scotland; so if you want to settle down and have a family it can be difficult.”
Mr Boyd says ensuring the school performs well is a team effort but admits the students are class acts.
“The pupils are outstanding,” he continued. “I’m so proud of our pupils and visitors who come to Strathaven are always impressed by our young people.
“They achieve the best they can and that’s all you can ever ask of a youngster.
“It’s a great place to work with a tremendous staff. It’s a very high-attaining school and there are high expectations for all of our young people.”