George Heriot’s School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Julie Cockburn as the Head of Nursery.

“I am passionate about giving young children the very best start to their learning journey. With a background in both Primary and Early Years education, I bring a wealth of experience and a warm, approachable leadership style to the Nursery.

I firmly believe that children learn best through play, curiosity and exploration, and I love creating opportunities for children to discover the world around them in meaningful and joyful ways. Outdoor learning is a big part of my approach, helping children build confidence, independence and a sense of adventure.

I am also closely involved in supporting Early Years practice across Scotland through my role as group chair with Outdoor & Woodland Learning Scotland, where I work with other educators to develop inspiring outdoor learning experiences.

Having had children at George Heriot’s School, I am delighted to be returning as part of the wider school community. I am really looking forward to getting to know the children and families, and to building on the already strong foundations of the Nursery – creating exciting outdoor learning opportunities and rich, play-based experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence and a love of learning.

Above all, I am committed to creating a nurturing, happy environment where every child feels safe, valued and excited to learn.

When I’m not in Nursery, I enjoy making the most of the outdoors – whether that’s wild swimming, paddle boarding or heading off for a hike in the hills.”

We look forward to welcoming Julie to the Heriot’s community!