Christopher Smith has been appointed as the new head — replacing Charles Rooney who retired last month.

Christopher, who is currently depute head teacher at St Luke’s High School in Barrhead, will take up his new position in December and oversee the school’s move to a new campus in Bellsmyre.

He said: “I am really looking forward to taking up my new post and being able to lead such a successful community. I will work extremely hard to continue the schools’ journey to excellence. I will also ensure that each and every young person at Our Lady and St Patrick’s, benefits from a rich and exciting curriculum, that delivers strong and positive levels of attainment and achievement.

“Looking ahead, our move to the new building in 2016 is another exciting opportunity. I will work hard to ensure that we benefit from a vibrant and stimulating learning environment that will further enhance the success of our young people.” The father-of-four qualified at the University of Strathclyde in Mathematics and Economics, and gained his teaching certificate from the University of Glasgow.

He started teaching in 1996 as a maths teacher at Notre Dame High School in Greenock.

He then moved to St Luke’s High Schoolto the position of principal teacher of pupil support. In 2008 Christopher was appointed as principal teacher of mathematics and numeracy and then promoted to depute head teacher.

He added: “In 2011, I was awarded a Diploma In Educational Leadership and Management having completed the Scottish Qualification for Headship course via the University of Strathclyde.

“My involvement in this programme alongside my experiences at St Luke’s and support from my own head teacher are key factors in encouraging me to pursue the post. I was delighted when a position at a school such as Our Lady & St Patrick’s was advertised.

“It became very clear, when researching the school, that Charles Rooney, and the staff have worked extremely hard to secure a considerable amount of success and achievement.

Councillor, Michelle McGinty, convener of Educational Services, said: “Christopher is taking charge of the school at a very pivotal time, with the new building and a new head teacher in place.

“This is an exciting chapter for the school and I think Christopher has the right skills to make the move as smooth as possible and bring staff and pupils together and allow them to take ownership and embrace the new challenges ahead.

“Christopher’s experience and expertise, coupled with his genuine passion for improving the achievement and wellbeing of our young people made him the obvious choice.”