The tess today announces a major step forward in its development on February 25, when it will change from a newspaper to a 48-page high- quality, full-colour Scottish news magazine.

This will allow us, in addition to our current news coverage, to provide more in-depth analysis, thought-provoking features on classroom practice and incisive comment, in an elegant and well-designed format - while still remaining a journal of record.

We are also delighted that, for the first time, all local authority classroom teaching vacancies in Scotland will appear in the new TESS magazine, along with other jobs at home and abroad - in one accessible place, in print and online.

As part of these changes, Neil Munro, editor of The TESS, is to step up to a new role as managing editor, to develop the business on behalf of TSL Education, publishers of The TESS. Gillian Macdonald, the deputy editor, has been promoted to editor, and Elizabeth Buie will become deputy editor as well as news editor.

Mr Munro said: “This is an exciting time for The TESS and we are confident that our existing (and new) readers will share our excitement when they see our dynamic, quality product.

“We have been serving Scottish education for almost half a century, beginning in 1965 as an edition of the English TES. Our next momentous step occurred in 2006 when we became an independent newspaper. TESS magazine, fully Scottish for the first time, is the next logical step.

“We believe the combination of excellence in editorial and advertising is a winning formula which will support teachers in doing their job, staying on top of their job and finding out about other jobs.

“I am delighted that Gillian has agreed to take the helm at the magazine and I have no doubt that it will be in creative and capable hands.”

A “mini-mag” with this and the next two issues of The TESS will provide readers with a sneak preview of what’s in store.