The world’s youngest HMC school rector has been appointed at Kelvinside Academy. At just 34 years old, Ian Munro takes up his post this week at the leading Glasgow institution.
The young high-flyer boasts an impressive pedigree and has been studying school effectiveness at Cambridge for the past two years, while in the role of Deputy Headmaster at Shiplake College, Henley on Thames. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology.
In his new position, Ian returns home to Scotland, where he spent the majority of his career so far.
A graduate of Edinburgh University, he started his career at Gordonstoun school and went on to hold a senior teaching position at George Heriot’s, where he was head of extra-curricular activities. He then returned to Gordonstoun as Head of Biology.
Ian, who is originally from Aberdeenshire, described the appointment as a “rare gift and a great responsibility”.
“Kelvinside Academy is a special place,” he said. “I have been immediately struck by its hugely positive spirit and strong sense of community. The school provides a broad and challenging education to pupils that stretches each child to be the best they can be. This philosophy is why I already feel at home here. For me, character is as important as grades.”
Donald Wilson, The Chairman of Governors, said: “Ian was the stand out candidate and clearly demonstrated his understanding of Kelvinside’s vibrant and distinctive ethos. He values learning in the broadest sense but has an innovative and dynamic outlook. He is the right person to lead the school forward in its next phase of development and progress”.
Ian succeeds Allan Gilliland, who held the post for a year following the sudden death of Robert Karling in May 2015.
Ian has a clear vision for the school. He said: “I want to balance strong academic attainment with diverse experiences outside the classroom. Extra-curricular activities are crucial for young people to learn more about themselves during their formative years.
“In our pupils, we hope to develop exceptional skills of communication, teamwork and leadership as well as recognition of the importance of kindness and an ability to empathise with people. When exams are the only priority, these integral factors are often ignored.
“We have a duty to our pupils to embrace social media and technology – that is the world they live in. As teachers, we can’t stick our heads in the sand. We have to prepare the young people we work with for real life.
“The school already leads the way in digital learning and I plan to build on that. Our library redevelopment, which will be completed in the summer, will create an environment designed to foster and encourage creativity, collaboration and independence.”
