Isabelle Boyd, Head Teacher, Cardinal Newman High School, Bellshill, North Lanarkshire.
After graduating from Strathclyde University and completing a PGCE Isabelle began her teaching career in 1978 as a teacher of Modern Studies in the now closed John Bosco Secondary School. She became Principal Teacher curriculum in St Andrew's Secondary School, Glasgow in October 1983 and remained there until she joined the Education Department in Dumbarton as Parent Support officer in 1993.
She has held senior management posts in Our Lady's High School, Cumbernauld and Taylor High School, Motherwell before taking up post in Cardinal Newman as Headteacher in December 2002. She has led and managed all of the key functions in a modern secondary comprehensive school and having achieved the Scottish Qualification for Headship in 2001 is now a field assessor for Strathclyde University SQH candidates.
Under her leadership, Cardinal Newman High School was selected as one of the first Schools of Ambition in Scotland. The school is an enhanced comprehensive school in the North Lanarkshire Council model using 'enterprise' to raise achievement, build self-confidence of pupils and enhance teaching and learning in all areas.
In the most recent HMIe inspection of Cardinal Newman High School, the areas judged to be excellent were developing people and partnerships; leadership of the headteacher; engagement of staff in the life and work of the school; success in involving parents, carers and families; and care, welfare and development.
The school under Isabelle's leadership is recognised as an 'early adopter' of Curriculum for Excellence whose approaches to personal support, curriculum design and collaborative working are nationally recognised.
Isabelle was awarded a CBE for Services to Education in the 2008 New Year Honours and is the current Vice Chair of CHAS (Catholic Headteachers Association of Scotland).