“I would like to wish all our staff, children and young people a very happy and well-deserved summer break.”
Councillor Kieron Green, Argyll and Bute Council’s Policy Lead for Education, reflects on a successful and inspiring year across the education service.
This academic year has been another busy and rewarding one, and I’d like to take a moment to recognise the achievements of our children and young people, alongside the dedication of the staff who support them every day.
Across Argyll and Bute, we continue to see excellent progress and innovation in our schools and early learning settings. From achievements in literacy and numeracy, to successes in digital learning and outdoor education, our young people are continuing to thrive and develop the skills they need for the future.
It has also been fantastic to see so many of our schools building on their work as Rights Respecting Schools, with pupils leading the way in promoting inclusion, respect and pupil voice. Our commitment to sustainability has remained strong too, with young people demonstrating real leadership through eco projects, climate initiatives and community partnerships.
Our mentoring programme, in partnership with MCR Pathways continues to help transform the lives of young people across Argyll and Bute. Expanding to more secondary schools, we’re now able to offer this rewarding service to more pupils than ever before. It’s clear that the programme is delivering real benefits to young people with 92% of mentees reporting increased confidence and 95% saying mentoring is helping them move towards a positive destination.
We’ve celebrated creativity and culture across the area, including strong participation in events such as the Royal National Mòd and a wide range of expressive arts, music and sporting activities. These experiences are vital in helping our young people grow in confidence and ambition.
This year also marks continued progress in delivering our strategic vision, Our Children, Their Future. This strategy remains central to our work, ensuring that the voices of children and young people shape the way we deliver education and support wellbeing across our communities.
I want to pay tribute to our teachers, support staff, early years practitioners and families. Your commitment, resilience and care make a real difference every day in helping our young people succeed. I know that some of our ELC’s will continue to operate throughout the summer holidays so thank you for your continued hard work.
I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved across Argyll and Bute’s education service this year, and I look forward to building on this continued progress in the year ahead.
To those preparing for the next step in their journey—whether starting at an Early Learning and Childcare setting, moving into primary or secondary school, or heading on to further education, training or employment—I wish you every success.
For now, enjoy a well-earned break over the summer, take time to relax and recharge, and I look forward to welcoming you all back for the new term in August.”
