DUNBAR Grammar School has chosen an “incredible group of young people” as its head team for 2020/2021, who will be hoping to make significant changes to the way the group traditionally operates.

Nancy Bird, 17, has been named Head Girl, an ambition she has held since S1.

She said: “I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to represent my fellow students and I hope to inspire members of the younger years to take on leadership positions and put themselves out there.

“Hopefully we will leave a lasting impact and improve the student experience for years to come.”

Nancy is joined by new Head Boy Matthew Pearson, also 17, who did not ever see himself in the role.

He said: “Never did I once think I would earn the position of Head Boy. I always saw myself as a fairly shy and quiet person who gets on with my work and has fun with my friends.

“I would always push people to try new things and take a leap out of their comfort zone.

“It was then I realised that I am always advocating for my peers to do this when I don’t do it myself, so I plucked up the courage and applied for the position of Head Boy.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity I have been given and can’t wait to make a lasting positive impact.”

Nancy and Matthew are joined by a team of deputes who will each take on a strategic area of responsibility: communication, achievements, events and support.

The deputes – Euan Campbell, Zola Lorimer, Lara Gribble and Ellie Richards – are determined to work together as a team to help support the school community through the coronavirus pandemic.

Zola said: “Everything is unknown, but with our student team we will undoubtedly still be able to create a safe and productive environment for all the students, while also ensuring key events and achievements are not forgotten about.”

Ellie added: “Covid-19 has meant many changes to our school life. But I believe it’s a sign for new traditions, to revamp the S6 experience, and to make it our own.”

One of the team’s first decisions was to appoint Alex Thorburn as chair of the student council.

He said: “I hope to represent the views of the students to ensure that everyone has a voice within our school community and to create a fair and effective student council for the upcoming year.”

Headteacher Claire Slowther, who interviewed the team for the positions, said the team understood that the environment and their responsibilities would be very different this year, but they were adapting to the situation.

She said: “They are an incredible group of young people. They are very much planning to adapt to the situation and make some significant changes to the way they operate as a leadership team.

“They have a very positive outlook and are looking forward to seizing opportunities and making their mark.

“We are very much looking forward to working with them and wish them all the best.”