School in safe hands as former goalkeeper to take on headteacher role

A FORMER Dunbar Grammar School pupil will return as its headteacher after the summer holidays.

John Johnstone spent six years at the secondary school as a pupil and also a short placement when he was starting his teaching journey.

Now, he will follow in the footsteps of Claire Slowther, who confirmed at the end of last year that she was stepping down after taking on the role of head of the secondary school at the British Vietnamese International School (BVIS) in Hanoi.

Mr Johnstone (pictured), who is currently acting headteacher at Forrester High School in Edinburgh, and who had a long football career at Dunbar United, was looking forward to leading his hometown school.

He said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have been selected for the position of headteacher at Dunbar Grammar School, and I am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to the school community that is close to my heart.

“I am confident that my experience in education, leadership, and my passion for fostering a positive learning environment align well with the values and goals of Dunbar Grammar School.

“I am committed to promoting excellence, nurturing the personal growth of students, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the school. I am excited about the opportunity to work in my local community with the dedicated staff, students, and parents at Dunbar Grammar School. Together, we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to create a supportive and enriching educational experience for all students.

“I am thoroughly looking forward to coming home and beginning this new chapter in my career as the headteacher at Dunbar Grammar School.”

On Tuesday, East Lothian Council confirmed that Mr Johnstone, who made more than 300 appearances as a goalkeeper for Dunbar United Football Club, was the “preferred candidate” to succeed Mrs Slowther.

Nicola McDowell, head of education at East Lothian Council, welcomed the new headteacher.

She said: “Mr Johnstone is currently acting headteacher of Forrester High School in City of Edinburgh Council.

“He is an experienced school leader, having previously also been depute headteacher at Castlebrae Community High School in Edinburgh.

“He is delighted to have been appointed to the post of headteacher at Dunbar.

“I am sure that he will visit the school very soon to meet staff and children, before starting in post after the summer break.

“I know that you will all join me in thanking Mrs Slowther for her hard work and dedication to Dunbar Grammar, and in wishing her the very best of luck in her new and exciting post.”

Mrs Slowther became headteacher having previously worked as head of science and taught biology at Haddington’s Knox Academy and as depute headteacher at Tranent’s Ross High School.

She, along with her husband, visited Vietnam in 2017 and travelled from the north to the south of the country.

Mrs Slowther previously told the Courier: “My husband Craig and I love travelling.

“I have got a world map in my office and we love South East Asia.

“I have lived in my home town of Bonnyrigg my whole life.

“Even when I went to university, I stayed at home and I have lived within a mile of my childhood home.

“Spreading my wings and moving abroad, the experience of living and working abroad, is something I have wanted to do for a long time.”

A spokesperson for the secondary school’s parent council wished Mrs Slowther well in her new role.

They said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Claire Slowther as the Dunbar community emerged from the pandemic.

“We are keen to work with John Johnstone and the team at Dunbar Grammar School to continue discussing some of the difficult issues facing schools today and to ensure Dunbar Grammar School keeps rising to achieve the ambitions we all share for young people.”