KNOX Academy’s new headteacher has vowed to make the school “a flagship school” for East Lothian.

Susan Cook took charge at the Haddington school this week after moving from Edinburgh’s Trinity Academy, where she was acting headteacher.

Pupils returned on Wednesday, with Ms Cook planning a series of assemblies to introduce herself to the students.

She said: “I would like to make Knox Academy a flagship school in East Lothian – Scotland, potentially.

“I want all young people to leave to a positive destination but be healthy and happy as they move through the school and really enjoy their school experience.

“I want pupils to enjoy education in the widest sense, not just the curriculum but wider activities, and to develop as rounded individuals when they leave school to meet the demands of an ever-changing society.”

Ms Cook, who lives in the county, previously worked in Edinburgh at a number of schools, including Drummond Community High School, Leith Academy and Tynecastle Academy.

The teacher, who has a background in physical education, started on Monday.

Two in-service days gave her the chance to meet the staff before pupils arrived.

She said: “The staff seem fantastic, a creative group of people. They really are keen for the school to engage with the challenge.”

Ms Cook has also vowed not to remain in her office at the school but instead wants to get out and about and speak to the pupils and staff.

She said: “I found when I was at Trinity Academy, the headteacher and the senior leadership team were in the middle of the school. With an open foyer, you saw pupils pass.

“I think it could be easy to shut the door and stay in the room. That is not what I want to do, I want to get out and about.

“I don’t really like sitting about, I want to engage with people. That is the best way to learn what makes the school tick, the young people and the staff tick.”

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, East Lothian Council spokeswoman for education and children’s services and a Haddington ward councillor, said: “I was delighted when Susan Cook was appointed as headteacher of Knox Academy.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the school from her posts in Edinburgh, which include Trinity Academy.

“I welcome her to the East Lothian team and look forward to supporting her at the school as the local ward councillor.”