Our Senior School Guidance Leaders

The organisation of pastoral care in the new Senior School will be structured in a year group or ‘horizontal’ format with Heads and Assistant Heads of Year remaining with their cohort throughout the students’ S1-S5 school career. Students will then make the natural transition into the Sixth Form at the end of S5.

This structure is intended to nurture and sustain strong working relationships between guidance leaders, your children, and yourselves throughout their time with us, providing a source of continuity and familiarity.

The following roles will take effect from August 2026:

Middle School 
Head of S1 & Assistant Head of S1 – Hayden Lingard and Gillian Hunter
Head of S2 & Assistant Head of S2 – Jo McLaren and Archie Millar

Upper School 
Head of S3 & Assistant Head of S3 – Kara Strachan and Thomas Spowart
Head of S4 & Assistant Head of S4 – David Foulds and Catherine Park
Head of S5 & Assistant Head of S5 – Catherine Morrison and Jordan Balfour

Sixth Form 
Head & Assistant Head of Sixth Form – Iain Welsh and Jo Burgess

Wellbeing Assistants

We intend to phase an additional two Wellbeing Support Assistants into the Senior School structure over the next 12 months. This initiative, alongside our Place2Be counselling service, has been incredibly successful this year, increasing our capacity to support students when needed.

Wellbeing Support Assistant – Charlotte Wright

Get to know our new Guidance Leaders

Hayden Lingard – Head of Year S1

Originally from New Zealand, I have spent the past 15 years as a Pastoral Leader and PE teacher at ESMS. I coach the 1st XV rugby team, lead the athletics programme, and coordinate the S3 Carbisdale adventure project. I’m committed to fostering a high-performance, supportive environment where students grow, overcome challenges, and build strong values. I look forward to continuing this work at ESM and strengthening relationships that help students thrive.

Gillian Hunter – Assistant Head of S1

I joined SMC in 2020 as Teacher of French and German, after working in France and Switzerland as a translator and interpreter. I moved into teaching to share my passion for languages. In pastoral roles as Middle School tutor and recently as Head of House, I support students’ growth, confidence, and sense of belonging. I value building meaningful relationships within the school community. I really enjoy working with young people and love travel, reading, and time with family and friends.

Jo McLaren – Head of Year S2

I have taught Physics at ESMS for 17 years and coordinate Culture Day and our Mental Health Ambassadors.  Hockey and rowing were passions in my youth and nowadays I enjoy weightlifting, running, and yoga.  I love adventures and travelling for new experiences and to learn about different cultures.  I also love cars and will happily chat about F1!  I enjoy supporting young people to success, in whatever that looks like for them and helping them be their authentic selves. 

Archie Miller – Assistant Head of Year S2

I joined the School as an English teacher and form tutor in 2016, and have since taken on promoted guidance roles in both the middle and upper schools. I enjoy taking sports teams for extra-curricular games throughout the school year. While I love teaching English, I also get a huge amount back from supporting our students with their pastoral needs, and take pride in ensuring that each student feels encouraged, cared for, respected, and seen when they’re here on-site at School.

Kara Strachan – Head of Year S3

I have been part of the MES PE Department for 12 years, with 10 years supporting students pastorally. I have taught across all ages from Snowdrops to Sixth Form, giving me a strong understanding of children’s development at different ages and stages. With a degree in Dance, I am passionate about integrating dance into Physical Education. I lead the School’s annual Kaleidoscope performance, which is one of the highlights of my year. I’m passionate about supporting students to explore opportunities and prioritise wellbeing. Outside School, I have completed courses in Yoga Teaching, Counselling Skills, and trained as a Humanist Celebrant.

Thomas Spowart – Assistant Head of Year S3

With over a decade of pastoral experience, most recently several years as Head of Galloway House, I have been closely involved in all aspects of school life, particularly coaching extra-curricular sport. Since joining ESMS in 2014 as a History teacher, I have led key wellbeing initiatives, including establishing Wellbeing Week and launching the Mental Health Ambassador programme. These experiences continue to shape my commitment to fostering a culture of care where every student feels supported and able to thrive.

David Foulds – Head of Year S4

After 15 years at ESMS, including one in pastoral leadership, I am proud to be a Head of Year at ESM. I am passionate about helping young people thrive, fostering a love of learning while supporting their growth in confidence and character. As a Geographer, I enjoy exploring global issues and encourage students to be curious about the world around them. Outside school, I love travelling, playing golf, and spending time with my young family, especially on adventures in our campervan. 

Catherine Park – Assistant Head of Year S4

I have taught English at The Mary Erskine School for over 25 years and have long been part of the Guidance Team. My pastoral experience includes roles as Head of Torridon House and Middle School Tutor, which I bring to my role as Assistant Head of Year. I enjoy being involved in Carbisdale, Duke of Edinburgh Award, and theatre and overseas trips – it is so rewarding to see students outside of the classroom, facing challenges and thriving in new environments. Outside school, I enjoy Edinburgh’s cultural life, swimming, walking, travel, books, and podcasts. These are dynamic times for the School and I look forward to helping ESM and its students as we embrace this new chapter and all it promises. 

Catherine Morrison – Head of Year S5

I have worked in the Mathematics Department at MES for over 20 years, alongside a role I care deeply about in pastoral support. Looking after students’ wellbeing, listening to them, and helping them feel safe, valued, and confident is at the heart of what I do. I love teaching mathematics and encouraging curiosity and creative thinking. I am looking forward to the new school and the fresh opportunities it brings to build an even stronger, more connected and supportive community for both students and staff.

Jordan Balfour – Assistant Head of Year S5

I joined the ESMS Physics department in 2011 before adopting roles of S1/S2 Form Tutor and eventually becoming a Head of Year (S1/S2) in 2020. Outside of School, I enjoy reading, strumming the ukulele, cycling, and playing 5-a-side football. I also volunteer as an Edinburgh Street Pastor. As we approach August, I’m excited by the opportunity to combine the strengths of both schools and help create a supportive, stimulating environment in which our students can continue to thrive. 

Iain Welsh – Head of Sixth Form

I joined ESMS in 2024 after 16 years at The Royal High School, where I taught History and was a Pupil Support Leader. I value the rewarding nature of working with young people. I am passionate about supporting students out of their comfort zone to help them develop key life skills that allow them to thrive when they leave school. I love rugby and I am fortunate to help coach the 2XV rugby team and find this incredibly rewarding.

Jo Burgess – Assistant Head of Sixth Form

As a former pupil, it’s a privilege to return to ESMS, where I’ve taught Biology for 10 years and worked in guidance for nine. I love helping pupils understand the human body and genetics, and I’m passionate about supporting their wellbeing, confidence, and ambitions so they can thrive both in and beyond the classroom. I’ve coached hockey and tennis, supported Silver Duke of Edinburgh, and led trips to various locations, including Millport, Thailand, and Indonesia. Outside school, I enjoy tennis, pickleball, live music, crime dramas, Thai food, and skiing in Morzine.