Gordonstoun Junior School appoints new head Cath Lyall
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A NEW head has been appointed to lead Gordonstoun's Junior School.
Cath Lyall, interim head since August, has now been appointed to the post permanently at the 120-pupil school.
A graduate of Glasgow University, Mrs Lyall has previously taught at both state and independent schools, including Applegrove Primary in Forres, and Glasgow Academy.
Mrs Lyall's 20-year career has also seen her involved in sports coaching and drama direction as well as support for learning.
She lives with her husband, Andrew, at Gordonstoun, and the couple's two children attend the school.
Gordonstoun principal Lisa Kerr said: "Cath understands what makes Gordonstoun different. We equip children with resilience in the face of a challenge and compassion for their fellow humans – skills that have proved hugely important over the past 18 months.
"Too often a Gordonstoun education is inaccurately depicted as being about morning runs and cold showers. In fact, it's about nurturing confidence by filling school days with exciting lessons as well as sailing, sport, adventures in the countryside, music, drama and so much more.
"Cath herself is an assured and compassionate leader as well as having a desire to drive continual improvement.
"She strongly believes in the value of our unique approach and has seen first-hand how it provides firm foundations at a crucial stage in a child's education."
Gordonstoun Junior School shares a 200-acre campus with the Senior School.
Mrs Lyall said: "Both of my children are educated here at Gordonstoun and it still surprises me sometimes when they tell me what they have done in a day.
"They will say that they learned about geography by going abseiling, had a maths lesson in the woods and then went out kayaking on the lake.
"That's what makes this a truly unusual school and I am thrilled to become its head."
