Welcoming new Principal, Lisa Kerr
- Junior School
- PreSchool
- Senior School
The 2024/25 academic session began under the leadership of our new principal, Lisa Kerr - the fifth principal of George Watson’s College. A well-known and highly respected figure in Scottish education, Lisa has already made a hugely positive impact on our school community; drawing on her vast experience in education, commercial media, music, strategic consultancy and business to lead Watson’s forward.
Lisa was previously the Principal of Gordonstoun, where since joining in 2017, she led the school to new heights, delivering a programme of capital investment, academic improvement and international development. She has also been a school governor, is a Director of HMC – the Head’s Conference - and has had a distinguished non executive career including Vice Chair of Scottish Opera, and regulator at bodies including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Now, just over a month into her new role, Lisa’s energies are firmly focussed on the continued success of our school, with an ambition to work closely with parents, staff and pupils to build on our values and our celebrated motto: Ex Corde Caritas.
Since the session began, Lisa has already met many Watsonians with a commitment to listen and engage. She has spoken with parents, pupils, community partners, and members of the Watsonian Club with her open and approachable style. And across the campus, she has been working closely with our teaching staff ensuring our pupils remain her top priority with their mental health, wellbeing and education at the heart of all we do.
At the beginning of September, Lisa participated in her first Q&A session with two of our S6 reporters for the new regular George@3 pupil news programme. Their questions ranged from Ms Kerr’s favourite things about the school so far to what our motto means to her.
Speaking about her experience since the start of term Ms Kerr said;
“I have been made to feel so welcome by the Watson’s community and have relished the opportunity to speak to parents, pupils and Watsonians ranging from our Highland branch to those who join us here in school at our coffee mornings. I’ve seen first hand the impact we make in our community through the SWIRE project and I've enjoyed the tremendous talents and enthusiasm of our pupils at events from sporting fixtures to baking competitions.
I would particularly like to thank all the parents who continue to be very much engaged in school life and look forward to many more discussions with regular and open communication. As I said to our young student reporters Aleeza and Forbes, what I love most about Watson’s is our diverse community. This is a school where anybody can come and be the best version of themselves - not pushed into a mould or trying to make them someone they are not. On that basis we can all strive to reach our full potential as Watsonians, knowing who we are and being proud of ourselves as individuals. Living up to our values whilst here and then beyond the gates of Colinton Road.”
We hope you join us in welcoming Lisa to the school. Her educational innovation, dedication to our pupils, commitment to the parental body and unwavering support of our staff assures us that the Watson’s community is guaranteed to go from strength to strength as we continue to make our mark in Scottish Independent Education.
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