DUNOON Grammar School head teacher David Mitchell is to leave the school temporarily after being appointed to a new role in Oban.
Mr Mitchell will take up a secondment as acting head teacher of Oban High School and Tiree 2-18 Campus at the beginning of the new school session in August.
He will remain in the role for the duration of the absence of the school’s current head teacher, Peter Bain.
Last year Mr Mitchell was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), in the King’s Birthday Honours List for his outstanding services to education, and his departure will mean a change in leadership at Dunoon Grammar School, where he remains the substantive head teacher.
Argyll and Bute Council informed parents and carers of the appointment this week, saying Mr Mitchell had secured the position following a rigorous recruitment process.
An acting head teacher will now be appointed to lead Dunoon Grammar School during his absence.
Mr Mitchell has strong connections to Oban High School. He said: “Many people know I started my teaching career and spent 13 years there. While this is a secondment to cover the head teacher’s absence, I am looking forward to working with the staff, pupils and wider community of Oban once again.
“Dunoon Grammar School holds a special place in my heart and remains my substantive post. I will continue to support the school until an Acting Head Teacher is appointed. I would like to thank the community of Dunoon for the support they continue to show our school. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated staff, wonderful young people and supportive families. Together they make Dunoon Grammar School a truly special place, and I am incredibly grateful for everything they do for our school.”
Mr Mitchell stressed that DGS remains his substantive post and said he would continue supporting the school until temporary leadership arrangements were confirmed.
He added: “I would like to thank the community of Dunoon for the support they continue to show our school. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated staff, wonderful young people and supportive families.
“Together they make DGS a truly special place, and I am incredibly grateful for everything they do for our school.”
Dunoon Grammar School received international recognition in 2022 when it won the World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration.
Mr Mitchell will begin his secondment at the start of the new school session in August, with details of the acting head teacher arrangements for Dunoon Grammar School expected to be announced separately.
