Kelvinside Academy appoints new leadership to drive innovation and educational technology

(L-R) Gillian Thomson, Director of Operations_ Catriona Calvert, Head of Junior School_ and David Sassarini, Director of Educational Technology and Innovation (picture by Elaine Livingstone) 

Independent school, Kelvinside Academy, has made three senior appointments as it looks to position itself as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. 

Among these appointments is David Sassarini, the school's first Director of Educational Technology and Innovation. Sassarini joins Kelvinside from Belmont Academy, where he was Principal Teacher of Design and Technology for 18 years, overseeing the development of new curricula and learning environments that earned several educational accolades.

 His new role at Kelvinside will focus on preparing students for future challenges through innovative curricula, including new qualifications designed to set them apart in higher education and the job market.

As Director of Educational Technology and Innovation, Sassarini will be responsible for driving forward the £2.5 million Innovation School initiative. The role will involve developing new qualifications, such as the Daydream Believers creative thinking qualification, which will complement traditional SQA exams and provide a distinctive edge for school leavers. 

He will also oversee the integration of digital devices in the classroom, which are becoming essential tools for modern education.

Sassarini commented:

“We want to create a generation of doers and problem solvers, and focusing on innovation and technology will play a huge part in how we achieve it. Employers are crying out for talented young people who will recognise a real-world challenge, are equipped to address it, and most importantly have the appetite to take it on. That’s where our focus will be. 

“Innovation is the ability to see what’s gone before and improve it, and the facilities, curricula, and qualifications we will develop at Kelvinside Academy are about empowering our pupils to do that at every stage in their development from primary one right through to senior six.” 

He will also strengthen Kelvinside’s partnerships with industries across Glasgow and Scotland, particularly in areas like design, renewable energy, and the space industry. The aim is to ensure that students gain exposure to cutting-edge developments that will help shape their future careers.

In addition to Sassarini, Kelvinside has also appointed Catriona Calvert as Head of Junior School and Dr Gillian Thomson as Chief Operating Officer. Calvert brings over two decades of experience in the state education sector, having previously served as head teacher at Glenboig Primary in North Lanarkshire. 

Thomson, with over 30 years of experience in higher education, most recently worked as Director of Organisational Effectiveness at the University of the West of Scotland.

Kelvinside Rector Daniel Wyatt praised the appointments, saying:

“At Kelvinside Academy, we do things differently, and we encourage that same ethos of curiosity, innovation, and experimentation in our pupils that encourages them to plough their own furrow. 

“Appointing a Director of Innovation is a progressive move, and exactly what our parents expect from us. David is the perfect person to drive this next chapter of innovation for Kelvinside. His vision and experience will help our pupils stand out from the crowd as they prepare for higher education and the world of work. 

“We are in a privileged position to attract talent of the calibre of Catriona, Gillian, and David, and all three will add fresh ideas, impetus, and experience to our senior leadership team as we navigate a new, challenging, but exciting time in the world of education.”