EDUCATION services in Argyll and Bute have achieved a string of successes in the past year.

The Community Services Committee heard about improvements made, new initiatives introduced and awards won by pupils and staff as part of the annual performance review (2016-17) presentation from the Executive Director, Ann Marie Knowles.

Policy Lead for Education, Councillor Yvonne McNeilly, said: “We’ve had a huge number of notable achievements over the past 12 months.

“It is fantastic news for our young people, parents and our staff that there is so much to celebrate in Education in Argyll and Bute.

“There have been important developments that will help us deliver our vision of making this area the best place to grow up in.

“We are certainly not finished however – we will continue to drive forward improvements in the year ahead. There is much to look forward to, including the opening of new high schools in Oban and Campbeltown and new primary schools in Kirn and Dunoon, all of which represent major investment in Education in Argyll and Bute.”

Among the key successes are:

The launch of the new Education Vision and Strategy, ‘Our Children Their Future’

20 new probationer teachers placed across our primary and secondary schools

Establishment of a new Head Teacher Advisory Group with the purpose of enhancing and improving communications

Tarbert Early Learning Class achieving ‘highly commended’ in the Scottish Quality Improvement Awards for its project to increase parent engagement

Kintyre Family Pathway achieving ‘highly commended’ in the Scottish Quality Improvement Awards in the ‘Top Team’ category

Opening of the new Digital Hub in Dunoon. Dunoon Primary pupils also designed the new Education Vision and Strategy app

94.2 per cent of our young people were supported into sustained, positive post school destinations, compared to the Scottish average of 90.2 per cent

Modern apprentice Steven Simpson wins the Modern Apprentice of the Year for Scotland. Steven is now the Council’s first graduate apprentice

Sine MacVicar, Head Teacher at Dunbeg Primary, awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Scottish Education Awards

Port Ellen Primary wins the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) award at the Scottish Education Awards

Building on the success of the Summer Internship Programme, which gives looked-after and accommodated young people their first taste of the world of work by offering them work placements with the Council. Seven took part in the programme this year.

Executive Director for Community Services, Ann Marie Knowles, said: “We are highly ambitious for all of our children and young people and are striving to raise attainment and achievement for all children and young people, make sure we are giving them the best start in life and leave our schools fully equipped and ready to succeed for future life.

“I’m delighted at the achievements of the past year. Congratulations and thanks to all of our pupils, staff and, of course, parents.  I look forward to the successes the next 12 months will bring for everyone in Education Services.”