Highland Council announces new acting headteacher for Inverness High School

A new acting headteacher will take charge at Inverness High School at the end of next month.

It was announced a week ago that John Rutter was to step down from the role at the city centre secondary school on October 23.

Mr Rutter’s resignation was conveyed to parents and pupils in a letter from the council’s head of education and learning Nicky Grant.

Claire McGonigal, current headteacher at Grantown Grammar School, will take up the post on Monday October 30.

A letter from Fiona Shearer, the council’s south area education and learning manager, informed parents of the development yesterday.

Depute head teachers will cover management of the school during the first week of term after the October holidays.

The letter added: “The substantive post will be advertised in the near future.”

Mrs McGonigal, writing on social media to parents at her own Grantown-on-Spey secondary, confirmed she had accepted the temporary role in Inverness, with Scott Wilson becoming acting head at Grantown.

She told parents and pupils: “Grantown Grammar School is without a doubt the best school I have taught in and it is a privilege to be the headteacher.

“However, I am following the advice I give to our young people that sometimes you need to step outside of your comfort zone and accept new challenges.

“I will keep you updated with further information regarding this secondment as details are confirmed, but would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the support you have given both the school and me personally.

“I look forward to continuing to attend school events in the future and catching up with pupils as I, apart from other events, am really looking forward to seeing Bugsy Malone!”

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