Head of Business and Economics

The Independent Schools Council; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

An established independent school is seeking a passionate Head of Business and Economics to inspire students and lead a dedicated department. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape the educational experience for young learners. With a focus on high standards and innovative teaching, the successful candidate will engage students in a dynamic curriculum while fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. Join a vibrant community that values kindness, resilience, and creativity, and contribute to the holistic development of students in a nurturing setting.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Enhanced sick pay

Access to swimming pool and fitness room

Membership of discount and benefits scheme

Qualifications

• GTCS-registered with a relevant degree and teaching experience.
• Strong communication and analytical skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Business and Economics department.
• Monitor pupil performance and develop departmental policies.
• Coordinate high-quality teaching and learning.

Skills

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Teaching Experience

Team Collaboration

Curriculum Development

Education

Degree in Business or Economics

Job description

Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools are currently recruiting for a Head of Business and Economics to join on a permanent basis from August 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter, (subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks). The role is full time working with a salary of £56,331 to £57,282 per annum. The role is based at either The Mary Erskine School on the Ravelston site or at Stewart’s Melville College on the Queensferry Road site, depending on staffing.

Role Overview

The purpose of the role is to lead and manage the Business and Economics department, including duties such as:

1. Leading and coordinating the work of the department, supporting and monitoring staff to ensure high-quality teaching and learning.
2. Developing, resourcing, and overseeing the delivery and assessment of courses across all stages, including internal and public examinations.
3. Monitoring pupil performance, defining departmental policies and strategies, and contributing to whole-school initiatives through departmental planning and liaison.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be GTCS-registered with a degree in a relevant subject and experience teaching Business and Economics. They will be an enthusiastic, self-motivated professional with strong communication and analytical skills, able to prioritise effectively and work well both independently and as part of a team. A passion for engaging young people in business and economics, alongside a commitment to high standards and the values of ESMS, is essential.

Additional Information

• Eligibility: 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.
• Benefits: Staff benefits include a generous holiday allowance, enhanced sick pay, family-friendly policies, access to the schools’ swimming pool and fitness room outside school hours, and membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, offering discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations.
• Values: We seek individuals who embody and promote ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity, and who demonstrate behaviours aligned with our school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community.

Safeguarding and Equality

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 have direct access to young people, and all posts are considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

About ESMS

Welcome to ESMS, a vibrant family of independent schools for ages 3-18 in Edinburgh. We offer a co-educational nursery and junior school, single-sex but closely linked secondary education, and a co-educational sixth form. Our holistic approach emphasizes opportunities outside the classroom, including over 300 clubs and societies, sports, music, drama, outdoor education, trips, and community involvement, designed to help students discover talents, learn, explore, and have fun.

Our Vision and Mission

Our vision is to empower learners through innovative and transformative experiences, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. We aim to inspire students to dream big, set ambitious goals, and excel, ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed in life. Our mission is to develop resilient, accomplished, and values-driven students equipped to lead fulfilling lives and make a positive impact on the world.

Our Aims

• Providing an outstanding, well-rounded education to a diverse student body.
• Building strong relationships to support students' emotional, social, and academic development.
• Offering a wide range of extracurricular activities to discover and develop talents.
• Inspiring students to aim high and achieve academically.
• Encouraging students to embrace challenges and develop confidence.
• Inspiring innovative thinking and a love of learning.
• Developing students' confidence to express themselves.
• Embedding character and values to foster good decision-making and positive contributions.