IT’S back to school for nearly 40 new teachers who are starting their education careers across Inverclyde.
Inverclyde Council has welcomed 38 newly-qualified teachers (NQT) for the 2025/26 term.
When the schools go back after the summer break on Tuesday, there will be 24 fresh faces in local primaries and 14 new recruits in secondaries.
They took part in an induction event in Inverclyde Academy on Thursday where they were given a warm welcome by education bosses and Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s education convener.
Back at her former secondary for the induction day was Olivia Ness, 22, who will start work at Ardgowan Primary next week.
Olivia said: “It’s so nice coming back. I’ll be working with some staff who taught me. Since primary school I’ve wanted to be a primary teacher. It’s a full circle moment.”
Fellow NQT Jenna Campbell, 21, is a former pupil of St Columba’s High and is heading to St Mary’s Primary to teach.
Jenna, who returns home following a spell in Aberdeen, said: “I’m so happy to be here. A lot of staff I’ve known since I was young so it’s nice to be back home. Teaching has always been a dream of mine.”
Councillor Clocherty said: “It’s such an exciting time for our newly-qualified teachers as they embark on their teaching careers and it’s great to be able to share some of that with them at the induction event.
“There’s always a great mix of stories from former pupils returning to their old schools now as teachers, those who are following in the footsteps of family and friends and becoming a teacher themselves, and others who are setting out on a new career path having retrained as a teacher.
“There’s such a diverse mix of backgrounds and experiences that will only enrich the education of the young people and inspire them to be the best they can possibly be.
“I wish all our newly-qualified teachers every success in their teaching careers and wish all our pupils, their families, and education staff all the very best for the new term next week.”
