New head is ‘delighted’ to take school’s top job
A teacher who has dedicated her career to pupils at a West Lothian secondary school has been rewarded by being named its permanent head teacher.
Isla Wright has been appointed as the head of St Margaret’s Academy in Livingston.
The former depute and acting head teacher is already well-known in the school community, as she has worked at the Livingston school for her entire teaching career.
Mrs Wright first joined as a probationer Modern Studies teacher in 2007, and has undertaken a variety of leadership roles since then, including principal teacher of pupil support and principal teacher of social subjects and business.
Her role as acting depute head teacher saw her especially focus on improving learning and teaching as well as curriculum innovation and design, while completing the challenging postgraduate certificate in Educational Leadership: Into Headship at Stirling University to further her professional knowledge of school leadership.
She said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the permanent role of head teacher in such a special community of faith and learning with young people that inspire me every day.
“Working in partnership with our families, I want to ensure every young person has a personalised pathway whereby they can achieve the highest levels of attainment, achievement and wellbeing.
“St Margaret’s Academy is a school which is rightly held in the highest regard in the local community. We are ambitious for our pupils, our staff and our families and want to work in partnership with the local community, business and colleges to achieve the very best learning outcomes for all.
“I feel very privileged to continue to build on our existing successes.
“I know from experience that in order to create a successful and happy learning environment, where every young person can achieve their potential, depends on us all working together to get it right for every child.”
Outwith school, Isla enjoys travel and exploring the great outdoors with her husband James and two active boys, Donnie (5) and Buddy (4).
Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: “Congratulations to Isla Wright on her permanent promotion to headteacher at St Margaret’s Academy in Livingston.
“As my former teacher, I know first-hand Isla’s professionalism and dedication and know she’ll bring her passion to her new role.”