EDUCATION chiefs will attempt to fill eight headteacher roles later this month when they hold an open day in Peeblesshire, Amongst the vacancies is the joint headship of Broughton and Newlands primaries.

And headteacher offices at Jedburgh Grammar School, Burgh Primary School in Galashiels, both Clovenfords and Stow primaries are also empty.

Scottish Borders Council is holding a recruitment open day on Saturday, March 28 at the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel.

The event runs from 9.30am to 5pm giving candidates the chance to speak in depth to teachers, pupils and parents about what it is really like to live, work and learn in the Scottish Borders.

And applicants who apply online by Thursday, March 26 for non-promoted posts will be guaranteed an interview on the day.

Councillor Sandy Aitchison, Executive Member for Education, told us: “With fantastic young people and ambitious staff, the Scottish Borders is the perfect teaching destination. We have one of the highest attainment rates in Scotland with figures released by Skills Development Scotland showing that over 94 per cent of students who left local schools in 2013/14 went to a positive destination, the fourth highest rate in Scotland.

“In addition, the Scottish Borders offers the perfect balance of town and country life.

“It is only a short distance from the city with the new rail link due to open in September providing additional transport options. This is an exciting time for the Borders and with the future success of our region closely connected with the success of our young people, I would encourage anyone wanting to part of a decidedly vibrant future to come along to the open day and see what is available.” As well as headteacher vacancies, there are many other vacant teaching jobs.

Posts are also on offer at a range of high schools in art, business studies and computing, chemistry, craft, Design & Technology, drama; English, French & German, French & Spanish, geography, modern studies, home economics, maths and ICT, modern studies, music, physical education, physics, Spanish & Italian, support for learning.