Johanna Urquhart, will join Lomond for the start of term in August 2014 and is looking forward to moving to Helensburgh later this month.

For the past six years Johanna has been Academic depute head at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh. She was educated in the state sector and worked in schools in Fife before being promoted to head of Maths and IT at The Waid Academy, Anstruther, and then deputy head at Breadalbane Academy in Aberfeldy. Before applying for the post Johanna visited Lomond to get a feel for the school’s values. She toured the school and met teachers and support staff whilst considering the school as an option both for her future career and for her children.

She told the Advertiser: “Having spent most of my career in the east of Scotland, I had never visited Lomond School and was keen to establish whether the school’s values would fit with my own and would my boys be happy here.

“The minute I walked into the Junior School’s Clarendon building I knew my boys would love it. Every classroom is bright and colourful and you know instantly that this, along with the teachers who have created these wonderful displays, will inspire creativity in young and curious minds.

“The historic architecture has been lovingly restored retaining all of its period features yet incorporating all of the modern technology and facilities needed for education in the 21st century.

“At the end of July my husband James, our two young sons, and I will move to Helensburgh and we are all very excited. It was last September when I saw that Lomond School was looking for a new head. The decision to apply for this post was one that would affect our whole family and I knew that it had to be right for everyone and not just me. I spent much of my childhood on and around Loch Lomond – walking, cycling, canoeing, boating, and water skiing. I have so many happy memories of this time and the outdoor adventures and opportunities that this area provided. As a family we enjoy the outdoors, particularly sailing, so I knew that Helensburgh was a place we could call home.” Johanna’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honours in Mathematics and Statistics, and a Masters Degree in Education, specialising in Leadership and Management.

Alastair Hope, chairman of the board of governors at Lomond School is pleased with the choice of new principal.

He added: “We began the recruitment process back in September 2013 and were extremely impressed and encouraged by the interest in the post and the quality of the applicants. The selection committee carried out a very thorough and objective campaign to find the best candidate and were delighted with the appointment of Johanna Urquhart to this role. We are confident that Mrs Urquhart will bring energy, enthusiasm, and integrity to the post and the board of governors is confident that she will prove to be an outstanding leader.” Since her appointment Johanna has visited Lomond a number of times and has been leading the recruitment of a number of new posts for new departments for 2014, including health and food technology and drama, and for other teaching and head of department posts.

The Urquharts will move to Helensburgh at the beginning of August and Johanna will begin her role as principal of Lomond School before the school returns from the summer break on August 26.