IRVINE Royal Academy’s headteacher is on the move to a top job at North Ayrshire Council, the Times can exclusively reveal.

Alison Sutherland announced to staff last week that she would be taking up the post of Head of Service for Children, Families and Justice Services at Cunninghame House later this year after less than three years at the school.

The former Depute headteacher at Ardrossan Academy was said to be emotional as she broke the news to her teaching staff at Irvine Royal Academy on Thursday.

Alison has been involved in a number of initiatives at the school including the opening of a nail bar and barista training in moves away from traditional classroom learning whilst still having a key focus on the main curriculum.

Back in 2017 when she took up the post, she told the Times about her plans for the school and spoke broadly about North Ayrshire as a whole.

She said: “I wanted to come back here as the education team are always extremely passionate and supportive and we share the same vision about achieving excellence and equity for all.

“I believe that every young person can achieve through hard work and perseverance.

“There should be equity for all and somebody’s postcode shouldn’t determine their destiny – there should be no poverty of ambition.”

She completed her Masters Degree in Educational Leadership in 2015 having previously completed a degree in English Literature and Scottish History, a postgraduate diploma in Leadership at Stirling University and achieved the Scottish Qualification for Headship in 2013.

North Ayrshire Council refused to confirm the appointment as we went to press.

A spokesman said: “We hope to make an announcement about the vacant Head of Children, Families and Justice Services position shortly.”