Our Vision for Sport at Erskine Stewart Melville
At Erskine Stewart Melville, our vision for sport is rooted in one clear belief: every student, from age 3 to 18, has a place in sport. It speaks to our culture, shaped by a commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and genuine enjoyment. Our programme is sector-leading and invites students to try a wide range of activities, develop confidence, and grow at their own pace – whether they are discovering something new or striving for high performance.
What makes this possible is the expertise and dedication of our staff. Our teachers create engaging lessons, reduce barriers to participation, support student choice, and champion both beginners and advanced athletes with equal pride. Their leadership, care, and ambition underpin everything we do, from curriculum innovation to specialist coaching, and help ensure that Physical Education and Sport at Erskine Stewart Melville is welcoming, diverse, and full of opportunity.
We have shaped our new Physical Education and Sport Department in a way that allows us to deliver this ambitious vision with clarity, purpose, and impact.
Nichola Aitchison, Director of Physical Education and Sport
Nichola will lead Physical Education and Sport at Erskine Stewart Melville. Her ambitious vision for the department will ensure that all curricular and extra-curricular activities are inclusive, connected, and innovative, creating meaningful pathways for all students. She is also passionate about strengthening our community links and supporting the department to deliver an outstanding provision for Physical Education and Sport.
Mark Burgess, Head of Junior School Physical Education and Sport
As Head of Junior School Physical Education and Sport, Mark will lead on all Physical Education and extra-curricular sport in the Junior School. He will ensure that a strong foundation of movement and love of physical activity is built from a young age.
Gillian Longmuir, Assistant Head of Junior School Physical Education and Sport
As Assistant Head of Junior School Physical Education and Sport, Gillian will support Mark in managing the Junior School department. She will ensure all students have access to high quality, inclusive Physical Education and Sport, and that we offer a breadth of experience that allows for progression at every level.
Gordon Blake, Junior School Sport Coordinator
Gordon will plan and manage extra-curricular sports for the Junior School, and he will coach a variety of sports. No doubt our Junior School families will come to know him well, if they don’t already.
Joss Beharrell, Head of Senior School Physical Education
In his role as the Head of Senior School Physical Education, Joss will lead the Senior School Physical Education department, much like his Junior School counterpart, Mark. Joss will drive curriculum development and ensure a high quality Physical Education provision. He will also be responsible for Physical Education at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher, as well as building collaboration, promoting wellbeing, and ensuring our School values are at the heart of PE.
Gillian Cameron, Assistant Head of Senior School Physical Education
As the Assistant Head of Senior School Physical Education, Gillian will support Joss in managing the Physical Education department. Together, they will build on the ethos of our Junior School, ensuring that every student benefits from high quality, inclusive Physical Education that offers a wide range of experiences and supports progression at every stage.
Gregor Wood, Head of Senior School Sport
Gregor will be our Head of Senior School Sport, leading the strategic development of sport and managing the Heads of Rugby and Hockey, as well as the Sport Coordinators. His aim will be to ensure high levels of participation and standards of performance while building community links and instilling our values through a broad, varied and inclusive programme.
Head of Rugby and Head of Hockey
Our Head of Rugby and Head of Hockey will lead and develop programmes from P5–S6, focusing on participation, performance, coaching and individual player development. In these roles, they will also take on strategic planning, coordinating tours and camps, and developing partnerships with the wider rugby and hockey communities.
- Stuart Edwards, Head of Rugby
- Andrew Brogdon, Head of Hockey
Dedicated Sports Coordinators
Our Sports Coordinators are an integral part of our team. As well as coaching their sport, they will oversee the planning and delivery of their extra-curricular programmes, including fixtures, coaching, tours and camps. Our families will come to know them well, as they will often be the key point of contact with parents. They will also deliver strength and conditioning training, lead on individual player development and build links with our wider community initiatives. Additionally, when not focusing on their area of sporting expertise, they will support the wider sports programme year-round.
- Jason Hill, Rugby Coordinator
- Jack Collister, Hockey Coordinator
- Matthew Murray, Football Coordinator
- Cricket Coordinator (appointment to follow)
- Pam Robb, Senior School Sport Coordinator – with a particular focus on Basketball, Badminton, Dance, Netball and Swimming