THE head teacher of Hermitage Academy has announced he will retire at the end of the summer term.

Geoff Urie, who has been at the helm of the Cardross Road school for more than 11 years, sent a letter to parents at the start of this week to inform them of his decision to retire from the post.

Argyll and Bute Council confirmed that following a recruitment process Mr Urie’s replacement will be in place by August.

In his letter to parents, Mr Urie said: “I am very proud of the achievements of the young people at Hermitage Academy and this year I was particularly pleased with the school recording the best S5 Higher results ever.

“It has been a privilege to work with so many staff who are totally dedicated to teaching and supporting young people in the school.”

Mr Urie joined the school at a difficult time and has led the school through a relocation to a new building and co-ordinated the implementation of the controversial curriculum for excellence.

Cllr Gary Mulvaney, area committee chair, acknowledged the work of Mr Urie over the last decade, adding there were “could do better” aspects, but praised the academic achievements of pupils.

He said: “Geoff joined the school at a very difficult time. In the last decade he has led his staff and students through the transition to a brand new school and implementing the much criticised curriculum for excellence.

“Of course there are some ‘could do better’ things in the in-tray, but today’s Hermitage Academy has strong ethos of academic achievement, community engagement and turning out well rounded individuals. Higher and Advanced Higher results are particularly strong; exclusions are zero and School of Champions is worthy moniker.”

Councillors have expressed an interest at seeing who takes up the post in the future.

Cllr Aileen Morton said: “The academy has gone through a lot of changes in the last few years. It will be interesting to see how the school develops over the next year with further changes.”

Cllr Vivien Dance said: “This is a significant time for the school and I am sure the challenge of this particular head teacher’s post will attract some very high calibre candidates.

“I hope Mr Urie is able to enjoy a more relaxing time for many years.”

The parent council wished Mr Urie the best for his retirement adding, that they look forward to welcoming someone new into the role to build on the improvements.

Stella Kinloch, chair of Hermitage Academy Parent Council, said: “We look forward to welcoming a new head teacher to work alongside the parent council, building on the improvements to date and continuing our partnership with the school to enhance the experience of all pupils attending Hermitage Academy.”

A spokesman for Argyll and Bute Council thanked Mr Urie for his efforts.

He said: “The head teacher is a key post and a school makes progress and achieves success for its pupils with the contribution of everyone involved in the life of the school, including teachers, pupils and parents.

“The vacancy will be advertised through the normal recruitment procedures. We will be looking to a new head teacher being appointed for August 2017.

“During the recruitment and interview process there will be involvement of the parent council.”