A TALENTED Dumbarton pupil credits the arrival of a new music teacher in S5 as one of the main reasons he leaves school with A's.

Jack Oliver, 18, has thanked Dumbarton Academy's Mr Pearson for encouraging him to play at school shows, perform in front of live audiences and ultimately follow his dreams as he departs his high school days ready for his big next chapter.

The young musician will continue his learning when he studies for a Bachelor of Music in Jazz at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in autumn.

On Tuesday, pupils across West Dunbartonshire celebrated as they look forward to their next chapter following school.

And Jack admits he might even consider returning to Dumbarton Academy to inspire the future generation - much like Mr Pearson did for him.

He said: “When Mr Piers joined Dumbarton Academy, he really changed the music department and his encouragement, vision and positive changes really helped me decide my future.

"I received great support from my teachers, who advised me to follow my dreams, leading me to study a Bachelor of Music.

"The course I’m doing, not only allows me to go on and be a solo artist or perform as part of a band, it can also lead into education.

"The way the whole school got behind Mr Piers was great to see and be part of and it’s also something I might consider in the future.”

Jack studied a range of subjects throughout S4, S5 and S6 specialising in both science and music.

In S5 he began attending the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, studying Jazz guitar, assisted through their widening access Transitions programme.

Jack achieved Higher English, maths, physics, chemistry and music all at grade A and continued on in S6 to study advanced highers in maths, chemistry and higher biology.

Jack was an exemplary pupil throughout his time at school and also made time to be a School Captain.