Mr Stachura told an audience of prizewinners, parents and guests that at prizegiving a year ago, he had spoken about the need for a new professionalism and a redefinition of the role of 'teacher' in relation to Curriculum for Excellence, together with a radical review of the school day/week/year.

"Curriculum for Excellence still dominates the educational debate, especially as it challenges fundamental assumptions about the nature of pedagogy, the relationships which underpin it and the organisational structures that support it.

"We have to move from the current model of prescription to one which promotes and values flexibility, diversity and innovation.

"This has to be accomplished if we are to survive in a global context which is experiencing and will continue to experience rapid social and economic change.

"Change and solutions to particular educational issues have been driven by centralist forces such as Her Majesty's Inspectorate, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and successive Scottish Education Departments in the forms of initiatives, projects and numerous guidelines.

"This model of change will not work if the principles and purposes of Curriculum for Excellence are to become a reality. A loosening of centralised management is necessary in order to allow a greater degree of automony at local and school level."

Mr Stachura is going on secondment to the Education Authority, a job which is likely to take him up to retirement.

"It has been a great honour to be the head teacher of Montrose Academy and it has been a post and role which I have thoroughly enjoyed - but it is time to tackle a fresh challenge and a new opportunity."

Mr Stachura thanked all the academy's support staff and teaching staff for their hard work, commitment and professionalism.

He also thanked the head boy, head girl and their deputes, house captains and prefects for their involvement and assistance throughout the session. He also commended the whole senior school for their good example to the other year groups.

Guest speaker was Colin Menzies, Assistant Chief Constable of Grampian Police, a pupil at the academy between 1976 and 1982, who delivered a humorous and at the same time thought-provoking address.

The Rev Dr Ian McLean of Old and St Andrews Church conducted the service and there were contributions from the school orchestra, Head Girl Kirsty Bell and Head Boy Craig Thomson.