Head of Junior School

School Talent; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

School Talent is seeking a Head of Erskine Stewart Melville Junior School in Edinburgh. The role oversees Nursery to Primary 7, shaping the educational experience and leading a dedicated team within a respected independent school.

You will drive educational improvement, safeguarding, and curriculum development, while building strong partnerships with families and staff as part of the Executive Leadership Team. A competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience within a Junior School environment.
• Proven track record of leading educational improvement and organisational development.
• Experience developing, motivating, and leading high-performing teams.
• Strong curriculum, pastoral and safeguarding leadership experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to think strategically while remaining visible and engaged.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across Nursery to Primary 7.
• Lead a vibrant Junior School community with ambitious and inclusive culture.
• Inspire and empower a highly skilled staff team and champion curriculum development.
• Foster wellbeing, safeguarding, and pastoral care across the school.
• Build partnerships with pupils, families and colleagues and contribute to whole-school strategy.
• Be a visible member of the Executive Leadership Team guiding future direction.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Excellent communication

Strategic thinking

People leadership

Education

GTCS registration or eligibility

Teaching qualification and degree-level qualification

Job description

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Job Reference schooltalent/TP/48855/2901

Number of Positions:

1

Contract Type:

Full Time Permanent

Location:

Edinburgh

Closing Date:

23/11/2026

Department:

Region / Division:

ESMS

Job Role:

Teaching

The Role

Head of Erskine Stewart Melville Junior School

Shape the Future. Inspire Young Minds. Lead with Purpose.

A rare and exciting opportunity to lead one of Scotland's most distinctive Junior Schools. As Head of Junior School at Erskine Stewart Melville (ESM), you will have the opportunity to shape the educational experience of children from Nursery to Primary 7, inspire a talented and committed team, and play a key role in the strategic leadership of one of Scotland's most respected independent schools.

The Junior School years are where confidence is built, curiosity is nurtured and lifelong foundations are formed. This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact at this crucial stage of a child's development, ensuring every pupil is challenged, supported, and empowered to flourish.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will help shape the future direction of ESM while leading a vibrant Junior School community that is ambitious, inclusive and values-driven .

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Principal, the Head of Junior School provides strategic and operational leadership across Nursery to Primary 7, ensuring exceptional standards of education, wellbeing and pastoral care.

This is an opportunity to:

• Lead one of Scotland's leading Junior School communities.
• Shape the strategic direction and future development of the Junior School.
• Inspire, develop and empower a highly skilled and dedicated staff team.
• Champion excellence in learning, teaching and curriculum development.
• Foster a culture where wellbeing, inclusion and safeguarding underpin every decision.
• Build strong and meaningful partnerships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Contribute to whole-school strategy and decision-making as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
• Ensure every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their full potential.

About You

You will be an experienced educational leader with the vision, credibility, and personal qualities to lead a thriving Junior School community.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Significant senior leadership experience within a Junior School environment.
• A successful track record of leading educational improvement and organisational development.
• Experience developing, motivating, and leading high-performing teams.
• Strong curriculum, pastoral and safeguarding leadership experience.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to think strategically while remaining visible, approachable, and engaged in the life of the school.
• GTCS registration (or eligibility for registration).
• A recognised teaching qualification and degree-level qualification.

Most importantly, you will share our belief that every child deserves to be known, valued, challenged, and supported to thrive.

Why Join Us?

We offer:

• The opportunity to lead one of Scotland's foremost Junior Schools.
• A key leadership role influencing the future direction of ESM.
• An ambitious, supportive and welcoming school community.
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Membership of the Scottish Teachers' Pension Scheme.
• A comprehensive range of wellbeing and staff benefits.

Deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 23rd November 2026. Please note this vacancy may close early subject to number of applications, therefore please make sure you apply as soon as possible.

Safeguarding

Erskine Stewart Melville is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to appropriate child protection screening and pre-employment checks.