¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute really is a great place to live, learn and work - maybe that’s why almost 25% of the current teaching staff at Dunoon Grammar are former pupils who left the area to train and seek employment, only to find themselves returning to their hometown to take up positions at the school.
One of those who was drawn back to his roots was head teacher David Mitchell. Not only is David a former Dunoon Grammar pupil, he was the head boy, and found himself being appointed as head teacher exactly 20 years to the day since he left in May 1993.
Even after leaving the area to train as a teacher, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute was never far from David’s heart and he spent his probationary time at Oban High, initially as a Design and Technology teacher, before moving up the ranks to become Depute Head Teacher at the school.
David said: “When you live somewhere as beautiful as ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute, it’s hard not to want to return. I feel extremely lucky and honoured to be the head teacher of the school I once attended. I know that the other former Dunoon Grammar pupils who work at the school feel the same. It’s like a magnet pulling you back.
“That’s one of the things about working at as teacher in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute, there’s a real sense of community, not to mention outstanding beauty and a fantastic work/life balance. I couldn’t think of any better job in the world.â€
The Council’s Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, agreed: “So many teachers in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute are former pupils and this says a lot, not just about ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute being a wonderful place to work, but about the high quality of learning and teaching that we offer here.
“We have award winning staff, schools and pupils. People want to work in our schools, they want to live in the area and they want their own children to attend school here. This is clear from the large number of former pupils who are currently teaching in our schools.
“We have so, so much to offer and we are dedicated to ensuring our young people have everything they need to help them succeed in life. So, what are you waiting for? Get your job application in today.â€
To find out what positions are currently vacant in ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute, visit: Jobs | ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ & Bute Council | myjobscotland