As Scotland’s leading independent school, Heriot’s sits in a stunning location by Edinburgh Castle, in the heart of Edinburgh. The campus is an easily accessed base with an outstanding transport network of buses, trains, trams, road and air links.
As Edinburgh’s oldest school, Heriot’s was founded through the generosity of George Heriot, jeweller and goldsmith to the court of King James VI/I. At this time, Goldsmiths were the principal money lenders and Heriot was able to amass a small fortune which he left to found a school for the ‘poor bairns of Edinburgh’. Since it opened, the Foundation at Heriot’s has developed an unrivalled understanding of providing bereavement support and has educated in excess of 5,700 Foundation pupils, each of whom received a funded education in keeping with the Founder’s wishes.
With a 400-year history of helping others, particularly those who have lost a parent through bereavement, the school’s thriving culture is underpinned by three core values: work hard, be kind, be yourself. Staff and pupils share this unique ethos, creating a warm and supportive working environment, showing kindness to one another and helping others. As a UNICEF gold standard Rights Respecting School, Heriot’s boasts excellent relationships between staff and pupils, where listening to others and respecting their perspective is central.
George Heriot’s is recognised as sector-leading by Education Scotland. An inspection in summer 2024 formally acknowledged the school’s best practice expertise in ‘wellbeing, equality and inclusion’, and in ‘raising attainment and achievement’.
Today, the school has 1,650 pupils aged from 4-18, with a distinct family feel shaped by its founder’s motto: I distribute chearfullie. Working hard, being kind, and being yourself are the values which bind staff and pupils into a cohesive whole. Put simply, Heriot’s cares about its staff and pupils.
The school is an award-winning beacon: the only school in Scotland to receive the Gold Award from SAPERE for its teaching of philosophy in Junior School; awarded a third consecutive gold award for being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and voted the Sunday Times School of the Decade by readers in their Parent Power survey 2021.
Heriot’s aims to become an employer of choice, enabling people to achieve their potential within a safe and inclusive environment, prioritising mental and physical wellbeing and nurturing pride in our school. Heriot’s People Strategy 2025-30 focusses on Health and Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion, Attracting and Developing Talent, Reward and Recognition and the provision of a safe and healthy work environment.
When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is valued. Heriot’s most recent staff survey reveals that 97% of employees feel motivated and happy to work at the school; our aim is to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for teaching staff, in addition to salary (which includes a Heriot’s enhancement), teacher holidays and pension, includes:
In addition to the above, staff groups gather for football and PE/ fitness sessions, for social events and enjoy a popular annual staff party; regular wellbeing activities include menopause and men’s health sessions.
We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Join us on the 27 September to see George Heriot’s in full swing.
Meet teachers, explore academic departments, hear the pipe band, watch activities, and hear from school leaders.
Importantly, hear why your investment in a Heriot’s education will give your child strong foundations for life.