Female principal writes new chapter in Gordonstoun history books
A TOP Scottish private school has appointed the first female principal in its 82-year history.
Gordonstoun, in Moray, where Prince Charles was educated, has announced that businesswoman Lisa Kerr will take up the role next year.
The appointment is part of a re-structuring of the school’s leadership team which includes the promotion of current head of the senior school, Titus Edge, to headmaster. Hugh Brown will become finance director.
Ms Kerr will provide an overall vision and direction for the school’s development while Mr Edge will be in charge of day-to-day running.
Gordonstoun is currently the most expensive independent school in Scotland charging in excess of £26,000 a year for a seniorschool day pupil and more than £30,000 for boarders.
Ms Kerr will take over from current principal Simon Reid, who is leaving after six years to take up the position of headmaster of Christ’s Hospital in Sussex in September 2017.
An experienced business leader who has been a governor of Gordonstoun for more than 10 years, she is also currently a parent at the school.
Dr Eve Poole, chairwoman of the governors, said: “I am delighted to announce this new leadership team which combines strong educational credentials with the full range of strategic, business and development skills to deliver our vision for Gordonstoun as the world leader in character education.
“This formidable team has more than 40 years’ direct experience of Gordonstoun as pupil, staff member, parent and governor.”
Ms Kerr added: “I have been involved with schools for 15 years and with Gordonstoun for over a decade.
“I am tremendously excited by this opportunity to work with an amazingly dedicated staff at a school which leads the way in character education.
“From my business background, I know the broad education that Gordonstoun provides has never been more important.”
Ms Kerr spent 20 years working in commercial media before setting up a consultancy applying her business experience across a range of sectors including health, technology, transport, media and the arts.
Her non-executive portfolio included seven years on the board of Scottish Opera, where she served as vice-chair.
Gordonstoun was founded in 1934 and became one of the UK’s first co-educational all-through boarding schools in 1972.
As well as seeking to fulfill academic potential, Gordonstoun offers a broader education with a focus on outdoor experiences and expeditions. The school was the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Outward Bound Movement.
Former pupils include Zara Philips, Olympic gold medallist Heather Stanning, author William Boyd and investigative journalist Liz MacKean.