George Heriot’s School Appoints new Head of Senior School

George Heriot’s School has announced the appointment of Alastair Anderson as the next Head of Senior School, commencing 1 August 2025.

The search for a new Head of Senior School has been extensive and attracted a large number of candidates, nationally and internationally. Alastair’s excellent leadership and management experience, as well as the clear alignment between Heriot’s ethos and Alastair’s beliefs of what constitutes an outstanding education for young people, made him the unanimous choice for the position of Head of Senior School.

Alastair is currently Headmaster at Bourne Grammar School, a co-educational school for over 1,700 students based in Lincolnshire.  Prior to Bourne, Alastair held roles as Deputy Head, Assistant Head and Head of Boarding at Wellington School and as Teacher of History at The Thomas Hardye School. Alastair holds a PGCE in History, MEd in Educational Leadership and a National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership.  A former cricket and rugby player and coach, he is an enthusiastic leader and participant in all aspects of the co-curriculum.

Alastair spent his early education as The Glasgow Academy and retains strong family links in Scotland:

“I am delighted to be joining the George Heriot’s community in August to take up my position as Head of Senior School. The school made a significant impact on me from the moment I stepped through the arch, from the positive welcome and helpfulness of the staff at the gate to the conversations I had with staff and pupils during the appointment process. I was struck by the modesty and grounded attitudes of those I met; also by their passion for the school and the desire to work collaboratively towards providing an outstanding education. I am a historian and a sports coach of many years, a musician and a champion of educational breadth, both in and out the classroom. I cannot wait to be involved and immerse myself in such a rich environment.

‘Having grown up in Glasgow and with family north of The Border, I am very excited to move to Edinburgh. I intend to make the very most of this wonderful opportunity to return to the land of my childhood, and to use my experience as a Headteacher in the service of the school, the Foundation and the wider community. I could not be more thrilled at the opportunity to work at Scotland’s best school.”