NORTH Ayrshire Council’s Head of Schools has left his post to take up a new role at Renfrewshire Council. 

Former Auchenharvie Academy headteacher, Steven Quinn, pictured left, took up the post just three years ago and this week started in his new role as Assistant Director (Education) in Renfrewshire. 

Reporting to the council’s Director of Children’s Services, Peter MacLeod, Mr Quinn will oversee Renfrewshire’s 11 secondary, 49 primary and three additional support needs schools.

And the 46-year-old said: “I have used all my time and energy to ensure every child and young person gets the best possible education which allows them to fulfil their potential.

“I want to learn about the very good practice already existing within Renfrewshire’s schools and build on this to reach our goal of becoming one of the highest-performing education authorities.

“My job is to make sure our central team, teachers and all supporting staff have the right supports and necessary confidence and ability to deliver a sector-leading experience which focuses on positive outcomes for our children and young people.”

“One of biggest issues facing the education sector is closing the poverty-related attainment gap.

“We must continue to work

very hard to raise attainment for all pupils - but we need to make sure young people from our most disadvantaged areas get the right opportunity and support to make the progress that lets them meet their potential.

“Renfrewshire recognised the need for a tackling poverty strategy a few years ago and my job will be to help build on the work already being done through that.”

Councillor Jacqueline Henry, convener of Renfrewshire’s education and children policy board, added: “I would like to congratulate Steven on his appointment and welcome him to his new role.

“He will add a wealth of experience to our existing high-performing team and I am sure he will be a real asset to the council.

“Here in Renfrewshire we are ambitious for our schools - went want them to be seen as among the best in Scotland - and we hope Steven’s input will help us achieve that.”

North Ayrshire Executive Director for Education and Youth Employment John Butcher said: ‘‘Mr Quinn joined North Ayrshire Council as Head Teacher at Auchenharvie Academy in 2009.

“He was hugely influential in leading change and improving the outcomes for pupils in the school.

“I know that he very much enjoyed his time at the school - finding teaching the pupils there enormously rewarding.

‘‘Following his appointment as Head of Schools in 2013, he was instrumental in helping schools to improve the quality of every aspect of service delivery and supporting the improvement of educational outcomes for pupils right across the authority.

‘‘Mr Quinn was also at the forefront of our ambitious schools development and building programme.

“He was well-respected by his colleagues and will be missed. We would like to wish him well in his new post.”