Back to school for nearly 40 new teachers for 2025/26 term

IT’S back to school for nearly 40 new teachers who are setting off on their education career in schools across Inverclyde.

Inverclyde Council has welcomed 38 newly-qualified teachers (NQT) for the 2025/26 term.

When the schools go back after the summer break on Tuesday 19 August 2025, there will be 24 fresh faces in local primaries and 14 new recruits in secondaries.

Inverclyde Council newly-qualified teachers class of 2025
Inverclyde Council newly-qualified teachers class of 2025 in the main foyer at Inverclyde Academy alongside Councillor Jim Clocherty, education convener, Ruth Binks, education director, Michael Roach, head of education, and Alison McLellan, education officer.

They took part in an induction event in Inverclyde Academy on Thursday 14 August 2025 where they were given a warm welcome by education bosses and Councillor Jim Clocherty, Inverclyde Council’s education convener.

Cllr Clocherty said: “It’s such an exciting time for our newly-qualified teachers as they embark on their teaching careers and it’s great to be able to share some of that with them at the induction event.

“There’s always a great mix of stories from former pupils returning to their old schools now as teachers, those who are following in the footsteps of family and friends and becoming a teacher themselves, and others who are setting out on a new career path having retrained as a teacher.

“There’s such a diverse mix of backgrounds and experiences that will only enrich the education of the young people and inspire them to be the best they can possibly be.

“I wish all our newly-qualified teachers every success in their teaching careers and wishing all our pupils, their families, and education staff all the very best for the new term next week.”

There will be some familiarity for the NQTs with former pupils heading back to their old school this time as teachers and reuniting with the education staff who helped them on their journey back to the classroom.

Back at her former secondary, Inverclyde Academy, for the induction day was Olivia Ness, 22, who will start work at Ardgowan Primary next week.

Jenna Campbell and Olivia Ness are former Inverclyde school pupils who are returning to local classrooms as teachers.
Jenna Campbell and Olivia Ness are former Inverclyde school pupils who are returning to local classrooms as teachers.

Olivia said: “It’s so nice coming back. 

“I'll be working with some staff who taught me.

“Since primary school I’ve wanted to be a primary teacher.

“It’s a full circle moment.”

It is also a surreal experience for fellow NQT Jenna Campbell, 21, who is a former pupil of St Columba’s High and is heading to St Mary’s Primary to teach.

Jenna, who returns home following a spell in Aberdeen, said: “I’m so happy to be here.

“A lot of staff I've known since I was young so it’s nice to be back home.

“Teaching has always been a dream of mines.”

At the induction event, the focus was on emphasising the importance of team work and for NQTs to work with each other, for them to work as a team with colleagues in schools, and to develop the skills of working as a team with their children and young people.

There were presentations by senior council figures, including education director, Ruth Binks, and input from services including active schools, which is joint funded by sportscotland.

Staff will head to the classroom today, Friday 15 August 2025, and again on Monday 18 August 2025 for two in-service days before pupils start the new term on Tuesday.

To see what jobs are available within the council, including in education, and the health and social care partnership (HSCP), visit www.myjobscotland.gov.uk/councils/inverclyde-council/jobs and look out for #InverclydeWorks on social media.