George Watson's College

George Watson’s College is one of the country’s leading co-educational independent day schools. Its stated mission is to provide a world-class education for children and young people aged 3-18 and to encourage pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and extensive and inclusive enrichment programme. Around 2,500 pupils share a single 52-acre campus in the attractive residential district of Morningside, southwest Edinburgh, where they enjoy superb sporting and arts facilities. George Watson’s College is one of the schools of the Royal Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh.

George Watson’s College is now seeking an outstanding Principal to lead the School and maintain its excellent reputation, succeeding Melvyn Roffe who will retire after ten highly successful years in the role at the end of session 2023/2024. Reporting to the Governing Council, the Principal will have broad-ranging responsibilities across the School, developing strategy and vision for the future. Other responsibilities will include education and pupil wellbeing, financial, HR and other business operations, marketing, recruitment, community and partnerships.

The new Principal must have a strong academic record and proven successful leadership experience, ideally in a commercially complex and high-performing school of significant scale. They will bring a passion, strength, resilience and an interest in contributing widely to school life, high academic standards, and commitment to excellence. They will be a highly visible leader, able to connect and be present with all stakeholder groups including pupils, staff, current and prospective parents, the wider Watson’s community and the Governing Council, whilst delegating effectively to the Heads of Schools. With strong strategic planning, financial acumen and communications skills, they will also be an outstanding ambassador of the School. Moreover, they will be proud of the School’s heritage but have a vision for its future, including a commitment to making George Watson’s College a truly environmentally sustainable school. Above all, they will share in the School’s simple set of core values to respect all, be kind, join in and aim high.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a great leader to continue this School’s success as a leading independent school.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to George Watson’s College on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference CBGIA. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on 3rd February 2023.

George Watson’s College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. George Watson’s College meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme checks before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. The cost of this application will be met by the School. Annually, every member of staff at the School is required to undergo, complete, and sign to confirm that they have received child protection training and will uphold it.