New Head Teachers have been confirmed for three East Lothian schools – including the county’s newest secondary school.
I am pleased to be able to announce these appointments and extend my congratulations to Mrs Preston, Mrs Mercer and Mrs Short
Mrs Gail Preston, currently a Depute Head Teacher at Dalkeith High School, has been appointed the first Head Teacher of Wallyford Learning Campus. Mrs Preston is an experienced school leader and will be responsible for establishing the new secondary school community at Wallyford, including the appointment of further staff. A start date has not yet been confirmed however it is expected to be early in the new school session 2022/23.
Mrs Debbie Mercer, formerly a Depute Head Teacher at Cockenzie Primary School, has been appointed to the permanent Head Teacher post at Yester Primary School in Gifford. Mrs Mercer replaced Mrs Williams as Acting Head Teacher during the latter’s secondment to another authority area. Following Mrs Williams’ permanent move, East Lothian Council advertised for a new Head Teacher for Yester and is pleased to confirm Mrs Mercer in the role.
Meanwhile Mrs Viv Short has been appointed Acting Head Teacher at Whitecraig Primary School. The school, which recently was praised by Education Scotland for its work with families during COVID-19, was previously led by Mrs Fiona Macartney who moved to a role within the council’s central Education Service. Mrs Short’s substantive role is as a Depute Head Teacher at Windygoul Primary School. As Acting Head Teacher she will lead Whitecraig Primary School and Nursery Class during the construction of the new building.
Cabinet Member for Education, Families and Children’s Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “I am pleased to be able to announce these appointments and extend my congratulations to Mrs Preston, Mrs Mercer and Mrs Short. I know that the appointments at Yester and Whitecraig will be welcomed by staff, families and learners and that Mrs Mercer and Mrs Short will be assets to the communities.
“Mrs Preston’s appointment is an exciting time in the journey towards the opening of the new Wallyford Learning Campus. It is a key step in preparing pupils, parents and the wider community for the move into the new building next year.”