New Head Teacher appointed at Westray Junior High School

Timothy Ross has been appointed as new Head Teacher of Westray Junior High School.

A start date has yet to be finalised and Tim will continue in his role as Head Teacher of Papa Westray Community School in the interim. 

“I’ve got to know Westray as a community and as a school over the last few years and am very much looking forward to getting started soon. On visits over the last few years, I’ve always felt welcomed by children and staff alike, and this has also been the case at community events such as North Isles Sports. I’m excited by the pride folk take in being from Westray and look forward to becoming part of this and working with all of the children and families of Westray soon.” 

Tim moved to Orkney with his parents in 2002. Educated at Stromness Academy, Tim was later awarded a PhD in physics after five years of research and study at the University of Richmond, Virginia in the United States. 

He returned to the county for teacher training at Orkney College UHI in 2015. After qualifying and a probationary period at Glaitness, Tim spent two years as a teacher in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. He then taught P6 and 7 pupils at Glaitness before becoming Head Teacher on Papa Westray in 2020. 

Tim is passionate about local opportunities for learning and has also completed a Masters of Education and the “In Headship” qualification through Orkney College UHI. 

“Orkney is home and it felt right to return here for my teacher training qualification. The fact that we have Orkney College right here on our doorstep and you can undertake that training while in Orkney was a massive bonus. I’d encourage all to make use of it.

“One element of the Westray Junior High role that I am looking forward to is working with the senior phase pupils, supporting them to find the options and qualifications that will allow them to follow their chosen path and working with partners such as the College will be important in this.”  

While delighted with his appointment, Tim has only positive things to say about the Papay School. 

“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.” 

Gwenda Shearer, chair of Orkney Islands Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said: “I welcome Tim’s appointment following a rigorous, nationwide recruitment process. 

“Tim has an excellent proven track record at Papay School and we are delighted that he is taking up the mantle now at Papay’s larger sister island. At the heart of a thriving community is a school in good heart so I wish Tim well in his new role.”