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School Profile

Hermitage Academy is a fully comprehensive secondary school of over 1,300 pupils and 158 staff.

We draw from all deciles of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation.

The school's proximity to Faslane Naval Base means that 21% of pupils are from Armed Forces families.

Around 42% of our pupils have a recognised Additional Support Need.

We are a Gold Rights Respecting school and became the first school in Scotland to achieve the Investors in Young People Gold Award.

Our school values are Ambition, Respect and Equity. We are looking to recruit staff who are ambitious for all pupils, respectful in all their interactions with pupils and colleagues, and are committed to ensuring equity for all pupils.

Location

Hermitage Academy is based in the town of Helensburgh near Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. We are located only a 40-minute drive from the centre of Glasgow.

Direct train lines from Glasgow and Edinburgh also make our school easily accessible for those in the Central Belt.

Staff Career Stories

Our team of pupil journalists within the school, called the National Union of Journalists, has interviewed staff around the school and written the following articles about their careers in Hermitage Academy.

Ms Mulherron, PT Employability and STEM.

By Matilda McLaren

Aged just 23, Ms Mulherron joined Hermitage Academy in 2016 after completing her probation year at Clydebank High - the school where she had recently been a pupil. Nine years on and she has developed from classroom Physics teacher to Guidance teacher and now to the principal teacher of Employability and STEM.

Ms Mulherron was keen to work at Hermitage because firstly, she already knew some people that were working there, secondly, the Science department looked like great fun and lastly she was impressed by the school’s reputation.

First impressions are always important, Ms Mulherron revealed, “My first impression was how fantastic the pupils were” and she loved “how friendly I found both the staff and pupils to be.”

Ms Mulherron went on to discuss the positive improvements she’s seen in almost a decade at the school, saying that in her opinion “the school has only got better” over the years.

It is a workplace that has opened doors and opportunities for those who seek to broaden their skillset and experience. “I have gotten to do more STEM with students, especially now that a part of my job is STEM and Employability. I have also done lots of Guidance. On top of all the extra stuff, I have gained more experience in the science department itself, as well as increasing my confidence.”

Yet, overall, Ms Mulherron’s favourite thing about Hermitage Academy is... its pupils.

Mr Allan, PT English

By Matilda McLaren

Mr Allan first joined the school staff in 2007 however, he has been a part of the Hermitage family since he was a pupil in the old Hermitage Academy building in the 1990’s. During Mr Allan's time working at Hermitage Academy a lot has changed. He mentioned that the most significant change is the varying array of people - the different generations of pupils and staff joining and moving on. “It can be very exciting but it is also in a sense rather sad.”

During Mr Allan's time working at Hermitage Academy a lot has changed. He mentioned that the most significant change is the varying array of people - the different generations of pupils and staff joining and moving on. “It can be very exciting but it is also in a sense rather sad.”

He added that in-between now and his pupil days the teachers have changed a lot. Not just in terms of personnel but also in the way that they teach. “Young people have some exciting ways, ideas and methods, however I think that many of the older generation have skills that go underappreciated.” To be a part of that cycle means you can learn from those that come before you and from those just entering the teaching profession today. That’s invaluable as a professional.

So why did Mr Allan apply for a job in his old school? Firstly, he didn’t want to commute very far, but more importantly he told me that he still held a special fondness for this school. Being part of a community feels important and this school and this area can offer that. “The main thing about working here is the other staff and the pupils. Pretty much everyone is so lovely, caring and kind.”

Mr Marsden, PT Maths

By Matilda McLaren

Mr Marsden joined Hermitage Academy in February 2023 as the Principal Teacher of Maths. He may be a new face to some in the school but this isn’t Mr Marsden’s first time at Hermitage Academy.

A young Mr Marsden left Hermitage as a sixth year pupil in 2002 before continuing to Glasgow University to study Maths. While there they had to do a STEM project which included going into schools where, by chance, one of his old teachers was now working. It was this inspiring encounter that made him want to go into teaching. Not to mention his love for working with children and developing their passion for learning.

Being the Head of Maths at Hermitage Academy was the dream job for Mr Marsden. He had a difficult time during his fifth year after going through a hard personal experience. “If it wasn’t for the support and love from teachers like Mr Miller, Mrs McKeirnan, Mr Reid, Mrs Cullen and Ms McGinlay, I don’t think I would have gotten through my Highers.” he said. Mr Marsden decided that he wanted to be that teacher for other students and to give back to the community that helped him so greatly.

In the time since he was a pupil here he said not that much had changed - and some things were exactly the same. He mentioned that the first “Festive Showdown” (previously known as “Christmas for Africa”) was held in his last year. However, he thinks that one specific thing has turned for the worse. This, he notes, is not just a Hermitage problem; it is a global one. He has seen how social media has grown over the last 20 years and how significantly it has been affecting children and teen’s mental health.

Before coming back to Hermitage Academy, Mr Marsden had spent 10 years teaching in schools in Glasgow, Edinburgh and East Kilbride where he had been Head of Maths for three years. When he first started teaching here he got a great first impression. He thought that the location was still beautiful; that Mr Morgan was amazing and inspirational; that all of the staff are great. “We have a very strong senior leadership team; and most of the pupils enjoy it here” he added.

Mr Marsden said that he gets a lot of different opportunities at Hermitage compared to some of the other schools he had worked at. One of the main things is that he gets to work more closely with the house teams and guidance. Mr Marsden also really enjoys meeting the P6/7 teachers and hopes to start to do more stuff with primary schools.

So what are Mr Marsden’s favourite things about Hermitage? He said that he has had great fun with the other maths teachers and has found a good community within the school. Mr Marsden also enjoys being part of the local community out of school, like seeing pupils in town or seeing them at rugby games. “It feels like home!”

To top off his list he explained, “Even though I am teaching the same thing over and over again, it's always a bit different, as all the students learn differently. The best bit is always the kids!”

We are lucky to have him.

Ms Mullis, Modern Studies Teacher

By Heidi Mackenzie

Mrs Mullis joined Hermitage in 2022, and has been a fantastic addition to the Modern Studies team and the Social Subjects Faculty. Delivering lessons on crime, politics, and other fascinating subjects, she has become a valued member of the department. But how did she get to where she is today? And why Hermitage Academy?

Mrs Mullis never actually wanted to become a teacher and originally had her sights set on becoming a police officer. She explained, “10 years ago, I would have laughed if you had told me that today I’d be living in Scotland and teaching in a secondary school.” She has a degree in Criminology and a Masters degree in International Relations, which she aimed to use to join the police force.

However she began to be more interested in crimes committed by countries and governments and decided to start a PhD in Politics and International Relations, which required her to teach as part of the programme. She absolutely loved this part of the course, and it led her all the way to secondary school teaching. She also “really disliked” solitary research, which made her more inclined to focus on delivering lessons.

Mrs Mullis felt the call - or drone, perhaps - of bagpipes and moved to Scotland in 2020 to continue her teaching journey. Scotland is the only place where Modern Studies is taught, which is what Mrs Mullis was mostly focused on. She shared how they are “so lucky to have this incredible subject in our schools and I feel very lucky to be able to teach it.” She decided on Hermitage since this is where she did her teacher training, and it's been her dream job since.

Mrs Mullis was a student teacher from October to December of 2020, back when we had to wear masks! She notes that, “in the last 2 years there have been so many more new courses introduced, creating opportunities for everyone to succeed”. One of her favourite parts about working here has been helping students who are part of the Armed Forces community. Mrs Mullis helps support these pupils whenever their parent/carer is on deployment or helping them to readjust upon their return. She has experience with this as her husband works in the Armed Forces as, so she is able to relate. Although, when asked what her absolute favourite part of the job is, she warmly responded, “you guys!”

With a career story just as interesting as her subject, a big thanks to Mrs Mullis for making Modern Studies fun and for being a fantastic teacher!

Investing in Staff

Recruitment

Jobs are advertised on myjobscotland.gov.uk

All internal jobs are advertised via email to all staff.

Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss the post with the Head Teacher or link Depute Head Teacher ahead of application.

All interview processes for permanent jobs include external representatives on the panel.

Pupils are involved in every teacher appointment in the school (through observed lessons, tours, interview panels)

All promoted posts involve an Assessment Centre.

Parent representatives sit on interview panels for Senior Leadership roles.

Verbal feedback on interviews are offered to all.

Induction

All new staff are welcomed and introduced in a Whole Staff Meeting.

Argyll and Bute Council have produced an online induction module for all new staff to complete.

All new staff receive

Child Protection guidelines
School Handbook
Promoting Positive Relationships and Behaviour guidelines
Mobile Phone use guidelines
Information about the Staff CLPL Hub
Link to the Virtual Staff Room
Link to the School Calendar

In addition to the above, all new teaching staff receive

Learning, Teaching and Assessment guidelines
Homework guidelines
Link to the Assessment, Tracking and Monitoring Calendar

Reflection and Planning

All staff engage in yearly Professional Review and Development meetings with their line manager.

All staff participate in termly lesson observations and discuss feedback with their line manager.

All staff engage in their Professional Update every five years.

PT Curricular and PT Guidance and Raising Attainment meet fortnightly.

Management Meetings take place five times across the year.

PT Curricular meet regularly with their department's link Depute Head Teacher.

Each PT Curricular meets with their link Depute Head Teacher and the Head Teacher each term.

Senior Leaders meet twice a week.

Senior Leaders each meet with the Head Teacher each half-term.

Learning and Development

Each department forms partnerships with a department in another school, allowing for the sharing of good practice.

Each staff member is encouraged to participate in a Lesson Study each year.

We have a Staff CLPL Hub with professional reading resources.

Our staff Professional Reading Group meets fornightly to discuss our "book of the term".

Annual CLPL:

Child Protection
GIRFEC
GTCS Standards and Code of Professionalism and Conduct
GDPR

Regular CLPL:

Understanding Standards
Staff Working Groups

For aspiring middle leaders, there are a range of external professional development opportunities open to our staff. Educational Leadership courses are run by UHI, Northern Alliance and Education Scotland.

Additional Support

We have a Staff Wellbeing Group who run a range of initiatives to support staff wellbeing.

Every May, we hold a Staff Wellbeing in-service afternoon, where staff participate together in a range of activities such as sport, baking, art, dance and others.

Staff and eligible family members can use the Help@Hand app and benefit from a range of health and wellbeing services, including:

Unlimited mental health support from qualified mental healthcare professionals.
24/7, unlimited remote GP appointments – so you can get fast access to a doctor at a time convenient to you
A fully integrated Employee Assistance Programme, including a 24/7 helpline for emotional and practical support, as well as financial and legal support
360 Wellbeing Score — take just four short assessments to get your score and unlock six 1-2-1 lifestyle coaching sessions per year
Physiotherapy — eight sessions a year shared between you and your partner
Medical second opinions
Savings and discounts for savings on weekly costs
On-demand wellness content, plus a Wellbeing Calendar, which is packed with podcasts, articles, webinars and more to help manage your wellbeing

There is time in our Working Time Agreement for Trade Union meetings throughout the year.

We host an Annual Staff Dinner at the end of each academic year to celebrate the work we have done throughout the year, as well as bid a fond farewell to any retiring staff members.

Fair Work Practices

Fair Work First Statement_0.pdf

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