Kirkwall Grammar School Head Teacher appointment

Ruth McKay has been appointed to the role of Head Teacher at Kirkwall Grammar School (KGS). 

Ruth began her teaching career at KGS as a newly qualified English Teacher, and returned to Orkney in January 2024 as Depute Head Teacher of KGS, taking on the role of Acting Head Teacher in January 2025. Ruth took over the role on Monday (31 March). 

Ruth is an experienced Head Teacher with substantial school management experience, including as Head Teacher of Kelso High School and Portobello High School. She has been involved in school improvement on a local authority and national scale with roles as Quality Improvement Officer with East Lothian Council and National Priorities Development Officer with Learning and Teaching Scotland. 

The recruitment process involved sessions with pupils, Parent Council members and staff, as well as an interview with a panel including Elected Members, Parent Council members and a Teacher Representative. 

Catherine Beesley will continue in her Acting Depute Head Teacher role, and recruitment for a permanent Depute Head Teacher will begin immediately; we would hope for this to be completed for the start of the 25/26 school session. 

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer said: “Many congratulations to Ruth on her well-deserved appointment. It is fantastic to see a former member of the staff team at KGS return to where it all began, but this time coming with extensive experience having been gained from so many key areas.”