Contract Type: Full Time Permanent
Location: Edinburgh
The Role
Erskine Stewart Melville are looking for an ambitious senior leader to join our award‑winning school as Deputy Head (Student Progress). As we look to our first year as a co‑educational Senior School, we are at a pivotal point in our history, and this role will play a central part in shaping the future direction of our School.
The Deputy Head (Student Progress) will be a key strategic leader within the School, with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on standards, outcomes and student experience. They will drive improvements in student progress across the school, using data intelligently to inform strategy, while always keeping students at the heart of decision making.
This is a highly visible leadership role, which encompasses line management responsibility for academic Heads of Department. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and analytical leader; someone who leads from the front and can navigate challenge with sound judgement and purpose. A proven track record of improving student progress is essential, alongside excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to build strong, collaborative teams.
Strong knowledge of the Scottish curriculum is vital, as is a genuine passion for raising standards and delivering excellence in learning and teaching. The successful postholder will be required to properly discharge the duties of the role, whether such hours are within or without normal school hours, during term‑time or periods when students are on school holidays.
The role is a full‑time, permanent position commencing from the 17 August 2026 (subject to satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks), with an ESM salary grade of F1, currently £80,918. Applicants should include a letter addressing the Principal outlining suitability for the role.
ESMS is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa. The successful candidate will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Values
We are looking for individuals who can embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity while role‑modeling behaviours in line with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community.
ESMS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and Disclosure Scotland.
All staff working at ESMS have direct access to young people; therefore all posts within the school are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Benefits
* Fee remission from Nursery to S6
* Free school lunches
* Free Sports’ Club membership, including access to pool and fitness suites
* Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave
* Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including a range of discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations
* Employee Assistance Service
* Cycle to work scheme
* Car leasing salary sacrifice scheme
* Annual professional review process
* Regular salary reviews
* Funding towards professional qualifications
The closing date for the position is 10am, Monday 4 May 2026, with interviews taking place the following week on Monday 11 May 2026.
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