KNOX Academy’s new head pupil has vowed to strengthen the relationship between Haddington and its secondary school over the next 12 months.

Calum Learmonth will follow in the footsteps of Harry Bowles, after winning the school’s election on the last week of term.

The 17-year-old said: “Since I came into Knox, I have wanted to become what was head boy and is now head pupil.

“I just felt that it suited me and I wanted to change the school and bring the school and the community together.”

Ten S6 pupils, including Calum, put their name forward for the position of head pupil.

Each of the teenagers, made up of nine girls and one boy, had to create their own manifesto and posters in an attempt to convince fellow pupils and staff to vote for them.

Then, during the final week of term, they had to deliver speeches before being interviewed by a trio of teachers and a pupil.

Calum, of Artillery Park, told the Courier: “I’m used to it being a bit of a laugh on the last week, but it was frantic.”

Each of the interviewing panel then asked the pupils a question, ranging from what they would do for the younger pupils at the school, on Pencaitland Road, to what they would do if an S6 pupil was not doing their prefect duties.

Among Calum’s manifesto was the idea of reinstating a popular annual sponsored walk along the former railway line from Haddington to Longniddry.

Calum, who is studying modern studies, business management and maths, was keen to see money raised going to a worthy cause and already had two in mind.

He was considering raising money to help with the reinstatement of headstones in the town’s St Martin’s graveyard, off Whittingehame Drive, or for the newly-completed Knox Academy Communications Provision.

Calum, who also plays rugby for Haddington RFC, will be joined by Emma De Costa, Georgia Herriott and Rebecca Keegan as deputes. He also sought advice from Harry, who left the school at the end of the year, as to what the role would involve.

Calum added: “He said just not to leave it to the last minute. It is a very short year and goes very quick and to get cracking with the things on the manifesto. He had a lot of things he didn’t get to do and I’d like to continue some of the things he’s done and from previous years as well.”