THE headteacher at North Berwick High School has announced she will retire this summer, after eight years in the role and 15 years at the school.

Lauren Rodger revealed the news to parents earlier this afternoon. Her last day will be August 15.

A former pupil at the school, she became depute headteacher in 2006 following four years at the University of Aberdeen studying English and completing her teacher training in Manchester.

She was previously a volunteer parent helper at her children’s primary school in Lancashire and later became school governor during her time there.

After completing her teacher training and returning to Scotland, she became head of English at St Margaret’s School in Edinburgh but, after completing her headship qualification at the University of Edinburgh and 11 years in the independent sector, she took up her depute role at North Berwick High.

Mrs Rodger said: “By the time I retire, I will have been headteacher at North Berwick High School for eight and a half years, and depute headteacher for seven years before that.

“I have loved my time at North Berwick High School: it is a privilege to lead such a wonderful school and to work in partnership with all in our school community.

“I will certainly miss everything about North Berwick High School – the committed staff team, the supportive parents and carers and, of course, the pupils who are our key focus – but it is time for me to move on to the next stage of my life and for someone new to take over the helm and ensure North Berwick High School continues to go from strength to strength.

“There will be time for reflection in the months to come; for now, though, I will continue to give of my best as your headteacher.”

Mrs Rodger added that the reason for her early notice was to give East Lothian Council enough time to carry out the recruitment process for her replacement and allow her to have a “comprehensive handover” with the successful candidate during the summer term.