THE decision to break with tradition by appointing an all-female head team at Peebles High School has divided opinion in the town.

For decades the school has selected two boys and two girls to carry out the duties.

But earlier this month Anna McGorum Begara and Darcy Hamilton were announced as head prefects, while Annabel Blackwood and Emily Wright were appointed deputes.

And the move has sparked debate online. Commenting on the PHS Parents Facebook page, Dilli Gaf said: “Equalities act and all that, come on Peebles High School get with it.”

However, the vast majority of comments on the page supported the move.

Rhona Baillie wrote: “Well done to all for being successful after a rigorous selection process.

“Gender doesn’t come in to it. The four best people for the job are the four best people for the job. You are four outstanding young people and I cannot think of anyone better to represent our school.”

Each year the head positions are given to senior pupils.

They are expected to represent the school at public events and act as role models for younger peers.

And news of the all-female team has been welcomed by Peeblesshire politicians.

Council leader Shona Haslam (Cons, Tweeddale East) said: “I look forward to the day when women in leadership is not news. Leadership should always be based on merit and I congratulate these young people for their intellect, compassion and ability to lead their school, their gender is neither here nor there.”

Peebles’ MSP Christine Grahame (SNP) added: “This is excellent news and makes a change from my days when it was nearly all boys in leadership roles.

“I have never supported imposed gender balance, so the fact that it is all female is fine by me and I am sure this was on merit which for me, as a female politician, makes it even more to be celebrated.

“I hope they will accept my invitation to parliament so I can congratulate them personally.”

Headteacher Paul Fagan this week explained the school’s decision to break with tradition – saying pupils have to be rewarded on “character and skills rather than on their gender”.

He told us: “As a proud recipient of the LGBT silver award, Peebles High has demonstrated its commitment to the promotion of equality and diversity.

“In every sixth year we offer a variety of leadership opportunities from prefects to senior students council and head team and appoint students to these positions of leadership based upon the experience and qualities that they have displayed through a series of selection processes.

“In previous years, the top four positions have been reserved for two male and two female positions.

“However, we believe that this practice no longer prepares our students for the realities of the world beyond school where positions of responsibility are given to those who best demonstrate the skills and qualities needed to fulfil the role.

“I am delighted that this year we are led by our head prefects, Darcy Hamilton and Anna McGorum Begara who are assisted in their role by the depute head prefects, Annabel Blackwood and Emily Wright. This very talented group has responsibility for leading their peers – both male and female – who make up the 13 members of the senior student council and prefect team of 40.”