BELMONT Academy's new Head Teacher (HT) is expected to take on her new post following the February weekend.

Tracy Stewart will leave her current position as Head Mistress at Irvine Royal Academy, to replace Susan Beattie the former HT, for the South Ayrshire School which teaches roughly 1,300 pupils.

The six partner primary schools are Alloway, Doonfoot, Holmston, Braehead, Kincaidston and Tarbolton. In the meantime, Depute Head Graeme McLean, will serve as acting HT, until Ms Stewart arrives. 

Belmont's three main targets are to promote and develop enquiring minds, to be a purposeful and caring community and prepare pupils to fulfil their potential.

Douglas Hutchison, Director of Educational services, said: "I am delighted that Tracy Stewart has been appointed as the new Head Teacher at Belmont Academy.

"Tracy has been a Head Teacher in North Ayrshire for the past four years and brings a wealth of experience to the post.

"Belmont Academy has been successful in raising attainment which is set to continue as Tracy has an excellent track record in this area.

"I have no doubt Tracy will put her considerable experience as a subject leader in science, additional support needs, guidance and in senior management to good use in Belmont.

"Tracy will take up her post following the mid-term break in February. In order to ensure continuity, Graeme McLean who is a Depute Head Teacher in the school has been appointed acting Head Teacher in the interim."