The rector at one of Scotland’s top-performing schools has decided to take early retirement.
James Bellshaw, 56, took up post as rector of Queen Anne High in Dunfermline in January 2007.
He started his career as a maths teacher in Glasgow, moving to Dumfries and Galloway as principal teacher of maths in 1986, before going to Fife in 1990 as assistant rector at Balwearie High.
In 1993 he moved to Beath High School as depute rector, being appointed rector three years later. During this time, the school was inspected and received a very good report from HMI.
Mr Bellshaw had two aims: to receive a good inspection report and secure a new school building.
“That is what we did suddenly, I was given the master key for the new school and I was leaving. I loved being there, it was a great school with great staff,” he said.
He then worked for Fife Council as senior manager but missed the vibrancy of the school environment and when the post of rector at Queen Anne became vacant, he jumped at the opportunity.
“I did enjoy being in HQ but I did miss being in school and school life,” he said.
“When Queen Anne came up one of the biggest schools in Scotland I thought it was too good an opportunity not to take.”
At that time Queen Anne was a different school to today not only is it housed in a new building, but it has moved on to be recognised for its achievements.
“There was a definite ‘to do’ agenda when I came,” he said, adding it was not a particularly happy place at that time.
Mr Bellshaw’s leadership of Queen Anne was described as “outstanding” by Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education after they visited the school last January.
The school was rated among Scotland’s best when it received top evaluations of excellent and very good in the five areas of inspection.
He said the school was well placed for someone else to take it on and take it forward.
“I think the entire Queen Anne community seems to be in agreement that the school has turned round and are delighted their kids are here.
“They know they are going to get a good deal and if they are going to do well, then they will do well here.”
Fife’s head of education in the west area, Donna Manson, said: “In the seven years, he has made a remarkable contribution to the school’s improvement journey.
“He took to Queen Anne High School over 20 years of senior leadership experience in secondary education, along with a strong reputation for good order and high standards.
“Overnight, the pupils, parents, staff and local community could see the difference that his indomitable approach had upon the standard of pupil behaviour, academic attainment and social responsibility.
“This impacted upon the ethos within the school and extended into the community, both during and beyond the school day.
“As a result the reputation of Queen Anne flourished under Jim’s leadership. This culminated in an outstanding Education Scotland Inspection report published in March 2013.
“Jim leaves a legacy for the school upon which to build.”
Mr Bellshaw wrote to each and every pupil at the school before he left, encouraging them to do well and make those around them proud.