“I have never felt more welcome within a school or community” – Papay teacher

Papa Westray Community School is looking for a new Head Teacher.

Karl Simpson has been a supply teacher at the school for the past two years and if it weren’t for his small farm holding and settled life in South Roanldsay – he says he would be putting himself forward for the position!

Whilst the search goes on for a new headteacher, Karl spends five days a week living on Papay in his temporary role as principal teacher – and he loves it!

The school has four children within the nursery and five pupils in the primary department.

Karl is responsible for the day to day running of the school, alongside a committed team which includes an early years lead practitioner, an early years practitioner, an admin/auxiliary/support for learning member of staff and a school cook.

“It’s a welcoming community like no other – I will be invited around to people’s homes for dinner – all staff from the school were recently invited to one of the pupil’s birthday parties and we all went – where else would that happen?!

“I have never felt more welcome in a school or a community. But that is an important part of whoever is successfully appointed – they must want to be part of the close-knit community. It’s an integral part of the role for that commitment to the residents as well.”

What makes Papay School so special?

According to Karl: “It’s the size and the people; from the first day I walked through the door the staff were so friendly and welcoming. The kids are great and always have a smile on their faces.”

Current Head Teacher, Tim Ross, recently started in post as Headteacher at Westray Junior High School on the neighbouring island of Westray. As the search for a new permanent headteacher for Papay School goes on, he is spreading his time across the two island schools, spending one day per week in Papay.

The Papay School and community still hold a very special place in his heart.

“For anyone interested in education in Scotland today, the Papay School is a great place to be. It may be peedie, but it’s powerful, and it provides wonderful opportunities to work with a committed staff team. As a teacher, the potential for capitalising on Curriculum for Excellence, and autonomy for planning exciting teaching and learning is very rewarding.

“Westray and Papay are close communities and I hope to work with my successor on Papay to further strengthen these links.”

Find out more about Papay here https://www.orkney.com/explore/papa-westray or www.papawestray.co.uk

Further information about the school and our activities can be found at https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/or/papay/

The job advert can be viewed here: https://www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/orkney-islands-council/jobs/head-teacher-papa-westray-primary-school-317431

The closing date for applications is Sunday 5 March 2023.

Full story here: https://www.orkney.gov.uk/News?postid=7140