The new rector of one of the leading schools in Renfrewshire has vowed to help pupils “grow up to make a positive difference to the world.”

Andrea Angus has taken charge at St Columba’s School, in Kilmacolm, which is renowned for providing a first-class education.

St Columba’s, which is fee-paying and independent, is one of Scotland’s highest-achieving schools.

And Ms Angus, formerly head of senior school at Robert Gordon’s College, in Aberdeen, said she is “very fortunate” to take on her new role.

She added: “The school is recognised for its outstanding pastoral care, high sporting, debating and musical achievements and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, all within a beautiful village setting.

“It is an exciting time to be joining the school now that the Girdwood Building and the beautiful new facilities are all fully in use.

“We want to create opportunities for our pupils to grow up to make a positive difference to the world in which they live and work as confident, articulate, responsible and respectful members of the community.”

Married with two daughters, Ms Angus studied mathematics at Edinburgh University and trained for two years as a trainee chartered accountant before taking a postgraduate qualification in education to train as a teacher.

An open morning will be held at the school on Saturday, October 7. For more details, call 01505 872238.