Overview

George Watson’s College invites applications for Head of Senior School to lead a vibrant, inclusive and successful day school community of c.1500 pupils (aged 11-18). This is a permanent appointment. The Head of Senior School reports to the Principal of George Watson’s College and has both considerable autonomy over the operation of the Senior School and a key role in the strategy and leadership of the School as a whole. This represents an excellent opportunity for a school leader with the vision, drive and ambition to make a significant contribution to one of the UK’s leading schools. The Head of Senior School is a key member of the Watson’s Leadership Team (WLT), which also includes the Principal, Head of Junior School, Bursar, Chief Operating Officer, two Deputy Heads from each of the Senior and Junior Schools, Director of Development, Director of External Affairs, Head of HR, Head of Estates and Head of IT. WLT is responsible to the Governing Council through the Principal for the overall operational management and strategic direction of George Watson’s College.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Senior School, with considerable autonomy over its operation and a role in the strategy and leadership of the School as a whole.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of George Watson’s College as a member of the Watson’s Leadership Team.
• Work with the Governing Council and Principal to ensure outstanding pupil outcomes and experiences.
• Provide leadership during a period of sectoral uncertainty, supporting staff while maintaining high standards and performance.

Qualifications and qualities

• Be a trained and qualified graduate senior school teacher, registered with (or eligible for registration with) the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
• Bring experience of successful leadership.
• Be ambitious for the School and its pupils; be a creative thinker and a collaborative colleague; be a compassionate leader.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work with colleagues across GWC, statutory authorities and the wider community.
• Have strong organisational skills to lead a large, high-profile school.

To apply

To apply, please submit a covering letter of no more than two sides of A4, addressed to Lisa Kerr, Principal, by midnight on Thursday, 18 September, along with a CV summarising your posts and qualifications held

Shortlisting will take place on 23 September, with candidates notified as soon as possible thereafter. Shortlisted candidates will first meet online with the Chair of Education and Safeguarding Committee between 29 September and 1 October and in-person interviews will take place at George Watson’s College, Edinburgh on 2 October 2025.

About George Watson’s College

George Watson’s College sits in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6. We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all. Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential. Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.

We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom. Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking. Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson’s. When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days. Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part. All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn’t we’re there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas – love from the heart.