AUCHENHARVIE Academy will have another headteacher after the summer following confirmation that Martin Wilson would leave his current post.

The news, which means that the school will have it’s EIGHTH headteacher since 2005, has been met with sadness from the former Chair of the Parent Council.

Since Maria Dick left her post in 2005 after almost 20 years at the school, there has been a high turnover of permanent and temporary heads at the Stevenston secondary.

Three permanent headteachers and five temporary heads have been in place at the Stevenston Secondary school in just over a decade.

Veron Maneely, former Chair of the Parent Council told the Herald: “I was surprised and saddened to hear last week that Martin Wilson was resigning, he was very passionate about Auchenharvie Academy and, personally, I thought he was ‘in with the bricks!’, here for the long haul. He certainly had visions for Auchenharvie’s future which came across recently when discussing the imminent refurbishment of the school. We, the Parent Council, were certainly hoping for consistency in a Head Teacher having seen many changes at the top over the years, but sadly health issues got in the way of that.

“Mr Wilson came to us as Acting Head in August 2013 during an uncertain time, while consultation on the Three Towns Merger was going on - and we did not know if we would retain a secondary school in Stevenston! This in itself must have made the job difficult for Martin, recruiting and holding onto staff, as well as pupils. He did a sterling job through an unsettling time, and I’m glad we did indeed hold onto our school! He was successful in attaining the post permanently in January 2014. As well as performing his duties well, Martin has been hugely liked and approachable - and I’m sure his successor will bring similar qualities. Change is not always a negative aspect...all of the head teachers we have had at Auchenharvie Academy have made their mark in some way or other, and given fresh viewpoints. We are a strong school, have been through many changes, and will adapt again.

“I know Martin’s decision was not made lightly, in his words it is ‘a huge wrench’. He will be missed and I, on behalf of the Parent Council and Parent Forum, would like to wish him all the best in the future.”

Former headteachers of Auchenharvie include Steven Quinn, who now works as Head of Service for schools at North Ayrshire Council and Tracey Stewart who is now headteacher at Irvine Royal Academy.

A spokesperson for North Ayrshire Council said: “We do not comment on individual employees however, we can confirm that we expect to appoint a new Head Teacher at Auchenharvie Academy before the end of this academic session.”