George Watson's College
Edinburgh, City of
Salary:
Commensurate with skills and experience.
Job type:
Full Time, Permanent
Apply by:
19 September 2025
Job overview
George Watson's College invites applications for Head of Senior School to lead a vibrant, inclusive and successful day school community of c.1500pupils (aged
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.
Whilst the successful candidate will have a record of highly successful teaching in an appropriate context, there is no expectation that the Head of Senior School will have a teaching timetable. An attractive and competitive salary package will be available for the right candidate.
The person appointed will:
* 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 who will support staff during a period of significant sectoral uncertainty, whilst inspiring them to continue to deliver outstanding pupil outcomes and experiences;
* be committed to the ethos, heritage and traditions of Watson's;
* have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and be able to work with colleagues across all of GWC as well as partners in the statutory authorities and from the wider community;
* have the strong organisational skills necessary to lead a large, successful and high profile school.
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'sCollege, Edinburgh on 2 October 2025.
Attached documents
School prospectus
2.16MB
About George Watson's College
George Watson's College
67-71 Colinton Road, Edinburgh
Midlothian
EH10 5EG
United Kingdom
George Watson's College is renowned as an inclusive and vibrant co-educational school offering education for children from 3-18. Its motto ex corde caritas - Love from the Heart - is central to its values and those of 'The Watson's Family'.
The School's single campus, a purpose-built site over 50 acres, is located two miles south west of the centre of Edinburgh, and has a close-knit community feel.
The School welcomes a wide range of academic abilities and has very high academic standards – 90% of pupils go on to Higher Education and a large proportion achieve outstanding success.
With excellent facilities, Watson's offers a huge range of courses and extra-curricular activities, with particular strengths in Sport, Music, Drama, Outdoor Education, Technology and in Support for Learning.
Principal, Lisa Kerr took up her post in August 2024. She is in membership of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC).
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