Statement from George Watson’s College:
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 focused 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.