A popular Fife head teacher has stunned his school community by resigning midway through term.
Ronnie Ross has been at the helm of Levenmouth Academy – one of Scotland’s biggest secondary schools – since it opened in 2016.
He told parents he was moving on to a new post in the “best interests of the school, and also for me”.
Mr Ross oversaw the creation of Levenmouth Academy – which has more than 1,600 pupils – rising to the challenging task of bringing together Buckhaven and Kirkland high schools.
‘Most difficult decision’
The school is in a deprived area of Fife and in an interview with The Courier in April Mr Ross told how he put helping every young person achieve their personal best above producing good exam statistics.
In a letter to parents on Wednesday, Mr Ross said leaving the Buckhaven school was the “most difficult decision” of his career and that being head teacher of Levenmouth and previously Kirkland High School was the “greatest honour of my life”.
However, he said now was the time for someone else to take the helm of the “good ship” Levenmouth.
He is taking up a secondment in Fife Council’s education and children services directorate but will remain at the school until his successor is appointed.
It is understood his new role will give him influence over how many other schools are run.
Ronnie Ross is Levenmouth Academy.”
Phil Grant, Levenmouth Academy parent council
Phil Grant, chair of Levenmouth Academy parent council, said both parents and pupils were stunned and gutted to hear Mr Ross was going.
He said: “Ronnie Ross is Levenmouth Academy.”
He is a “fantastic” head teacher, he said, and a people person who “knows how to get the best out those around him”.
Attainment had improved under his watch, he said, and he had managed the difficult process of merging two school communities.
His departure, he said, would leave a “massive hole” at the school.
Mr Grant said: “I am absolutely devastated he is leaving, but he leaves the school in a great position for the new person to come in.”
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