Meet Our Senior School Heads of Department
As we prepare to bring together the strengths of The Mary Erskine School and Stewart’s Melville College to form Erskine Stewart Melville, our sector-leading curriculum will play a central role in shaping this exciting new chapter. At the heart of this work are our exceptional teachers, our subject specialists, innovators and mentors, and the people we know you want to know more about.
Jump to a Department Head:
- Fiona MacGregor, Head of Art & Design
- Katy Robertson, Head of Biology
- Maggie Thorniley-Walker, Head of Business Education
- Fiona Neave, Director of STEM and Head of Chemistry
- Matt Williams, Head of Classics
- Andy Thomson, Head of Computing Science
- Jenny Flockhart, Head of Drama
- Phil Lowe, Head of English
- Nicola Murray, Head of Fashion and Food Technologies
- Keith Turnbull, Head of Geography
- Amanda Ferguson, Head of History
- Lauren Thow, Librarian
- Mark Rosa, Head of Maths
- Kelly Holden-Caddow, Head of Media Studies
- Mike Alexander, Head of Modern Languages
- Karlene Douglas, Head of Modern Studies & Politics
- Jamie Liddle, Head of Music
- Julie Macdonald, Head of Physics
- Kevin Bowen, Head of Product Design
- David Chalmers, Head of RMPS
- Nichola Aitchison, Director of Sport
Fiona MacGregor, Head of Art & Design
Fiona has taught at The Mary Erskine School since 2000, leading a department known for creativity and outstanding results. She connects classroom learning with real-world creative industries through initiatives like Creative Directions. Dedicated to nurturing students’ potential, she runs co-curricular clubs such as life drawing and Junk Kouture, a global youth competition in sustainable fashion. A keen advocate of outdoor learning, Fiona is a Gold Duke of Edinburgh trainer and assessor who enjoys travel, cooking, yoga, skiing, and cycling.
Katy Robertson, Head of Biology
Katy joined MES in 2019 after many years in the state sector and brings enthusiasm for innovation in learning and teaching. She is dedicated to helping every student reach their potential through engaging, hands-on Biology lessons. Katy also is also involved in outdoor learning through the Duke of Edinburgh programme. Outside school, she enjoys running, Pilates and time in nature (often filming wildlife for her classes!).
Maggie Thorniley-Walker, Head of Business Education
Maggie joined MES in 2012 after a management career and teacher training through Teach First. She is passionate about giving students practical insight into business, economics and enterprise. Under her leadership, the department offers a wide range of academic and co-curricular opportunities. She may have lived in Scotland for a good few years but outside school, she is still a Yorkshire ‘band geek’ at heart, often found tootling with D&M Brass Band based in East Lothian.
Fiona Neave, Director of STEM and Head of Chemistry
Fiona has over 20 years’ teaching experience, 13 of them at The Mary Erskine School, where she now leads both Chemistry and STEM. She is committed to making science accessible and engaging, creating inclusive opportunities that build curiosity and confidence. Fiona also supports a wide range of co-curricular activities including Duke of Edinburgh, canoeing, mountain biking, curling and STEM club.
Matt Williams, Head of Classics
A graduate of St Andrews and Cambridge, Matt has led the Classics Department at SMC for ten years. He is passionate about making Latin and Classical Studies accessible and engaging through creative course design. Matt enjoys fostering curiosity about the ancient world and its modern relevance. He is currently part of the Lochaber House Tutor team and coaches S1 Hockey so you may bump into him at Inverleith. He is also a keen sports fan and loves a chat about football results.
Andy Thomson, Head of Computing Science
Andrew started teaching at Stewart’s Melville College in January 2000. In that time he has taught both Mathematics and Computer Science. He has been involved in various extra-curricular activities at the schools in this time, particularly Duke of Edinburgh, where he runs the canoeing expedition element.
Jenny Flockhart, Head of Drama
Jenny joined MES in 2012 after a career as a performer and workshop leader in the UK and abroad. Jenny believes education should empower young people to discover their strengths and grow into confident, compassionate individuals ready for the challenges ahead. She loves the creativity her role brings; from developing exciting new theatre with budding practitioners in the classroom, to leading ambitious extra-curricular productions. Outside school, she loves travel, paddle boarding and time with her family.
Phil Lowe, Head of English
Phil has taught English since 2003, most recently as Assistant Principal Teacher at George Heriot’s School before becoming Head of English at Stewart’s Melville College in 2023. He aims to inspire a lifelong love of literature and learning, setting high expectations for all students. His teaching draws on a wide range of cultural influences, from Yeats to Roy Keane, Michael Jordan to Shakespeare, and a wealth of films (not prequels or remakes, though!)
Nicola Murray, Head of Fashion and Food Technologies
Nicola has been part of the school community since 2000. Nicola believes learning should be fun and purposeful and she is passionate about creating excellent opportunities for all learners. She helps students build practical skills and confidence through classes and clubs like Bake Off Challenges and Cook’s Club. Her nutrition classes focus on practical skills and mindfulness, encouraging pupils to think about their wellbeing as part of their learning. Outside school, she enjoys cooking and time with family.
Keith Turnbull, Head of Geography
Keith has been teaching Geography since 2001, after being inspired by the dramatic landscapes he explored while travelling in Canada. His extensive experience includes leading trips across Scotland and overseas, and contributing to SQA assessment. He believes Geography education should connect classroom learning with real-world understanding. Beyond the classroom, he is an S6 tutor, rugby coach, supporter of Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, and an experienced marker for the SQA.
Amanda Ferguson, Head of History
After 25 years of teaching and holding pastoral and academic leadership roles across both senior schools, Amanda still finds being part of teenagers’ life journeys immensely rewarding and credits it with keeping her young at heart. She leads a dynamic History department focused on developing multiple perspectives and respect for evidence, equipping learners to be thoughtful, informed citizens.
Lauren Thow, Librarian
After studying History and Law, Lauren began her career as a school librarian in Whitley Bay before joining Stewart’s Melville College in 2016. A finalist for the School Librarian of the Year award, she has also studied children’s literature at postgraduate level. Lauren is passionate about promoting reading for pleasure and developing information literacy across the School. Away from the library, she enjoys travelling, piano, and following Liverpool FC.
Mark Rosa, Head of Mathematics
With a Masters in Mathematics from Durham University and a background in cybersecurity, Mark retrained to follow his passion for teaching. He has extensive experience leading maths departments and promoting mastery-based learning to build understanding and confidence. He passionately believes that every child can excel in and enjoy maths, and has extensive experience in utilising mastery mathematics to improve pupil understanding, attainment and confidence. In his spare time he can often be found with a camera in hand.
Kelly Holden-Caddow, Head of Media Studies
Kelly joined SMC in 2018 after eight years teaching English and Media and serving in senior SQA roles. She is passionate about helping students understand the power of communication and culture in the modern world. Her department consistently achieves some of Scotland’s top results at both National 5 and Higher levels. Beyond the classroom, Kelly enjoys theatre, literature and weekends in the Highlands.
Mike Alexander, Head of Modern Languages
Mike has taught Spanish and German since 2012 and joined SMC in 2018. He is passionate about inspiring a love of language learning and has contributed to German textbook development with the Language Gym. He combines classroom teaching with outdoor learning through his involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh programme, supporting students in their personal development and helping them build essential outdoor skills.
Karlene Douglas, Modern Studies & Politics
Karlene joined ESMS in 2025 after nine years teaching Modern Studies and coordinating community outreach. She connects classroom learning with real-world issues, regularly involving guest speakers and third-sector partners. Passionate about social responsibility, she founded Scotland’s Social Inequalities Conference to inspire informed, active citizenship, and is already planning a similar event for our students.
Jamie Liddle, Head of Music
Jamie completed his PhD in Musicology at the University of Edinburgh and previously lectured at university level. A professional pianist and guitarist, he joined ESMS in 2019 and became Head of Music at Stewart’s Melville College in 2020. He is a passionate advocate for the benefits of Music education and loves seeing pupils of all abilities find their musical voice and grow in confidence. Outside school, Jamie enjoys cycling, family time and the occasional single malt.
Julie Macdonald, Head of Physics
Julie began teaching at SMC in 1999 and still challenges herself every day to enthuse and inspire fledgling scientists and engineers. She loves nothing more than a good in-depth physics debate. Julie has also led sports teams and charity groups across the school. In her spare time, she enjoys music, jigsaws and travels the country to follow her love of heavy metal concerts.
Kevin Bowen, Head of Product Design
Kevin has led Product Design at MES since 1991, inspiring generations of students with his creativity and expertise. Known for going the extra mile, he’s given generations of design students’ unforgettable experiences with trips to top universities, exhibitions, and design agencies. A proud Welsh speaker, he’s also passionate about rugby and golf. Kevin enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and still loves cycling adventures.
David Chalmers, Head of RMPS
Now in his 13th year at Stewart Melville’s College, David leads RMPS with a focus on philosophical inquiry and critical thinking. Over the years, he’s worn many hats – Teacher of RMPS, rugby coach, and Duke of Edinburgh Gold leader, each reflecting his commitment to shaping well-rounded young people. He believes in the power of experience beyond the classroom, leading trips to New York, Malawi and Auschwitz. His teaching encourages curiosity, empathy, and ethical reflection in every student.
Nichola Aitchison, Director of Sport
With over 25 years in Physical Education, Nichola has led initiatives that raise standards and broaden participation in sport. Her vision for Erskine Stewart Melville focuses on enhancing provision, performance, and community engagement. She continues to promote lifelong activity, both through her leadership and personal sporting achievements. She also continues her love of sport on the pitch, including representing Scotland Women in Hockey in the Masters’ Over 45s squad.