ST Stephen's new headteacher has spoken of his pride at being given the school's top job.

David Killin, who was appointed a few weeks ago, says he has been wowed by the staff, pupils and the wider relationship with the community as he settles into his role.

He says he feels privileged to be given the opportunity to lead 'such a fantastic school' - and told the Tele he wants to encourage a generation of high achievers through its doors.

David, 36, said: "Everyone has been fantastic. Inverclyde Council has been so supportive and the wider community very welcoming."

The new head hails from Drumchapel and says Port Glasgow has the same close-knit community feel as his home town.

He said: "I grew up in the same type of place, a tight-knit caring place.

"I always wanted to work in a school that was at the heart of its community. People make the Port and to be part of that is great.

"I felt it I was going to be a head teacher then I wanted to be one in a place like this, somewhere that I could make a difference.

"I feel God puts you where he needs you to be."

David he says he has high hopes for his new pupils and will do all he can to support them.

He said: "Two things are important to me, relationships and respect.

"I want kids to know that people believe in them to be the best version of themselves.

"I am ambitious for the school. The council has spent a lot of money creating a first-class learning environment and my pupils deserve nothing less.

"I want our pupils to believe that they are made for greatness."

David's own subject was design technology and his most recent post was depute head at St Ninian's High School in Kirkintilloch after filling the same role at Bo'ness Academy for four years.

He started his teaching career in 2007 - but revealed that his first career choice had been an airline pilot.

David said: "I got accepted by British Airways but September 11 happened and everything changed.

"My other passion was teaching, and after graduating with an engineering degree, that was the path I followed."

David is married to Terri, a principal teacher of RE at Lourdes Secondary in Glasgow, and they have two sons Fionn, seven, and Daragh, who is five.

He says his aim over the next few months is to get to know the school, its pupils, staff and the community.

David said: "We are all working together and have the same vision.

"We are a Catholic school and our faith is at the heart of my plan for everyone to feel like part of one big team.

"I want pupils to come here and believe they can genuinely be whatever they want to be when they leave."