Lomond School has entered a new chapter in its history with the appointment of Claire Chisholm as Principal.
Claire has been Academic Deputy Head at Lomond since August 2015 and has helped guide the school to its best-ever academic results.
She has also led the implementation of the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and Career-related programmes, making Lomond the only school in Scotland to offer access to both IB and SQA education qualifications.
Her appointment follows an extensive search and rigorous interview process involving candidates from across the UK, Europe and from around the world.
Claire takes over from Mrs Johanna Urquhart who recently took up her new role as Principal of The International School of Monza, in Italy.
Claire said: “It’s an incredible honour to be named Principal at Lomond School. Lomond has been such a big part of my life for the past nine years, and I feel so lucky to have the privilege to lead such a caring and talented community of young people and colleagues.
Lomond School has a rich history and a strong connection with the local community, and I am looking forward to developing this in the months and years to come.
“I’m looking forward to working with our current staff, pupils and families and meeting new faces as we continue to grow Lomond’s special offering and support our young people to reach their full potential.”
Claire graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1997 with an upper second-class MA (Hons) in English Literature, History and Languages. After a period of travel, she spent a year at the University of Strathclyde from 2002-2003 to complete a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education, which was achieved with Distinction, followed by a period at Our Lady and St. Patrick’s High School as a Probationer teacher of English and History.
A charismatic and hard-working teacher, Claire was quickly appointed Head of English and Drama at St Andrew’s High School and continued this role at St Peter the Apostle High School for four years, before being appointed Deputy Head Teacher there in 2013.
Now leading at Lomond, Claire’s next venture is to secure the school’s place as a centre of Engineering innovation and excellence and to introduce a bespoke qualification in outdoor activity and tourism.
Claire said: “The International Baccalaureate Diploma and Career-related Programmes have really captured the imagination of our pupils and families.
“Every single pupil at Lomond passed in the first year of exams and some were even offered university places on the same day UCAS received their application so it’s only logical we continue to not only foster this academic route, but expand the offering to include more vocational options as well.
“We’re now on the cusp of launching two new courses to open up even more pathways and enhance Lomond’s position as the only school in Scotland offering access to IB Diploma and Career-related Programmes, HNC, NC and SQA qualifications.”
Local families will get the chance to learn more about life at Lomond School with a special open night on Wednesday 31 January. Claire will be on-hand alongside her staff and pupils as the school hosts an International Baccalaureate Fair ahead of the launch of new courses. The IB Fair starts at 6pm and you can register your families place by visiting IBinfofair.eventbrite.co.uk