Issue Number 29 | March 2026
long time and I wasn’ t looking for any other opportunity at all, I ' m really happy at Marr I love it here but when this opportunity came up, hopefully taking all the skills, the experiences and the things I ' ve done in Marr and share that to wider community and with other schools, that’ s the main part that really inspired me to take on the role and the other part of it is about working in South Ayrshire. I really love working in South Ayrshire and I ' m really delighted to be staying in this area.
What excited you most about your new job?
What excites me most is about being able to make a difference to all young people in South Ayrshire and I would hope, looking back, people might think I ' ve made a difference in Marr. The exciting part of the new job is making a difference to young people across South Ayrshire and continuing to work in schools.
Was this a difficult decision to make?
It was a hugely difficult decision. People thought why would I want to move from a school like that because it ' s such a fantastic school to lead / work in. But I think the timing was just right to move on and start this new chapter in my life.
Looking back, I am most proud of the positive / can do mindset around the school, building that sense of community that we want to do the absolute best for our young pupils.
What have you enjoyed most about working with students here?
I am astounded by the leadership skills in our students and hopefully looking back I have continued to build on that and provide opportunities like junior house captains, and pupil conferences and pupils feel as if their ideas are valued and taken on.
What do you hope Marr will do after you’ re gone?
I hope Marr will continue to go from strength to strength. I see Marr as not just being the best school in South Ayrshire but the best school in Scotland and hopefully whoever takes over my place continues to see that and continues to see the absolute potential in our students and our staff and community and continues to build on it.
What piece of advice will you give the students and teachers?
A piece of advice I would give to our students and staff is to be ambitious for our future and always looking ahead and always looking to be the best versions of ourselves.
Although Mr. Docherty is leaving the school we are happy for him and excited to see what he goes on to do next. He will still come to see the school after he leaves as part of his job he goes round all the schools in South Ayrshire, we are grateful for everything he has done and wish him all the best in this new chapter of his life. Good luck!
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