DUNBAR Grammar School’s new headteacher has described the community and school as “something quite magical”.

Claire Slowther took the helm on Monday after succeeding the now-retired Paul Raffaelli, who had been headteacher for more than a decade.

Mrs Slowther, previously one of the school’s depute headteachers, was looking forward to the new term, with pupils starting back at school on Wednesday.

She said: “I absolutely love the school.

“Lots of people say it about Dunbar, that it is a really special community.

“There is really something quite magical about the school and the community.

“The youngsters here are just tremendous and the friendliness you get from young people and staff – it is a really caring place.”

Currently the school is undergoing a large-scale expansion, which is due to be fully complete in early November.

Ahead of the new term starting, a section of the extension has been opened, which will give access to six new classrooms.

More than £10 million is being spent on the extension, which includes a new two-storey L-shaped block to the east side of the school.

It will not only be home to new classrooms but also a home economics department, new library and learning centre with a dedicated IT space, and additional PE changing rooms.

Mrs Slowther, who has previously worked at both Knox Academy in Haddington and Ross High School, Tranent, felt it was a “phenomenally exciting” time for the school.

The 36-year-old, who is joined by Ed Offer and Richard Maxton as depute headteachers, as well as Suzanne Hamilton as acting depute headteacher, said staff were taking the school into a new era.

The new headteacher, who was previously a biology teacher, added staff had talked about what they could do “to preserve what is really special and how we continue delivering absolutely the best education for every young person that comes through our doors”.

She added: “We call it Sunny Dunny. It is a sunny, cheerful, caring place – within the classrooms, corridors and out in the community.

“When parents come in, they are so friendly and supportive as well.”

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, East Lothian Council spokeswoman for education and children’s services, welcomed the new headteacher.

She said: “I wish Claire Slowther all the best in her role as headteacher at Dunbar Grammar School. It’s a great time to lead the school into their new building and facilities.

“I know she will ensure with her team that pupils at the school will receive a great school experience, done in the Dunbar way.”