THE head teacher of Hermitage Academy says he plans to retire at the end of 2020.

Robert Williamson's decision to step down was confirmed by Argyll and Bute Council this week.

He will leave after just over three years in charge at the Academy, having taken over in October 2017.

Donna Hicks, chair of the school's parent council, said: “Hermitage Academy Parent Council was shocked and saddened to hear the announcement that Mr Williamson intends to retire as head teacher at the end of 2020.

“At no point has he taken his ‘foot off the gas’, so we didn’t see it coming at all.

“As chair of the parent council, I think I can confidently say that the vast majority of parents will really miss him as he’s been great for the school.

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“We are in a very different place from where we were three years ago. 

"He has listened to the parent voice and always taken on our concerns.

“We haven’t always agreed on issues, but we have maintained positive, constructive dialogue which has been welcomed by us all.

“We have seen significant positive changes over the time Mr Williamson has been with us and we are grateful for that.

"The school is in a much better place now and we are optimistic and hopeful for the future.

“We wish Mr Williamson all the very best for his retirement and, on behalf of the parent council and parent forum we would like to thank him for his valuable contribution over the past three years.”

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Under Mr Williamson’s watch, Hermitage’s National 4, National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher pass rates in 2018 and 2019 were greater than the national average and either matched or bettered the Argyll and Bute average.

The school’s results for 2020 – based on teachers’ estimates due to the Covid-19 pandemic – have not yet been published by the council.

Mr Williamson came to the Academy from Drumchapel High School, where he had been head teacher for five years.

Previously he had spent six years as a depute head teacher in Bishopbriggs, and before that, nine years as a principal teacher and faculty head of social subjects at Balfron High School.

Before becoming a teacher, he had worked as an office junior with Glasgow City Council, and as a labourer, storeman and taxi driver.

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson said: “Mr Williamson has intimated his intention to retire at the end of the year and arrangements will be made to recruit a new head teacher.”

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