Lisa Kerr appointed as Chair of HMC for 2027/2028

HMC (The Heads’ Conference) is delighted to announce that Lisa Kerr, Principal of George Watson’s College, has been appointed as the next Chair of HMC, taking up the role for the 2027/28 academic year.

Lisa will succeed Dr Anne Cotton, Head of KCS Wimbledon, and will lead the association at a time of continued opportunity and challenge for independent education, both in the UK and internationally. Independent schools have been facing increased financial pressures as a result of the cost of living crisis and surging energy, food and transport costs and rising national insurance and pension contributions.

Since January 2025 independent schools across the UK have been subject to additional taxation of VAT on fees and business rates. More than 100 independent schools have closed since those policies were introduced in January 2025. As such, a strong voice for independent education, not only in the UK, but around the world, is essential.

As Principal of one of Scotland’s leading co-educational schools, Lisa brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership, strategic development and championing the transformative impact of independent schools. Her appointment reflects HMC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the sector has strong, thoughtful and values-driven leadership.

Lisa is a well-known and highly respected figure in Scottish education with a previous career spanning commercial media, transport, health, technology and the arts. She studied at the City of Edinburgh Music School and went on to gain a BA(Hons) in Music at the University of York. She has held a significant non-executive portfolio including seven years as Vice Chair of Scottish Opera, serving as a member of the UK & Ireland Regulatory Board of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and several broadcast regulatory bodies, and fifteen years as a School Governor. She is an Associate Assessor for Education Scotland and was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Moray in 2019.

Lisa was Principal of Gordonstoun from 2017 where she led a programme of capital investment, academic improvement and international development. Since August 2024 she has been Principal at George Watson’s College in Edinburgh, one of the UK’s largest independent schools, which educates 2,300 children aged 3-18 in a 52-acre campus in the heart of the city. Lisa is committed to ensuring that a Watson’s education is the making of every child, underpinned by a commitment to achievement, enrichment and belonging.

Lisa has been an active contributor to HMC’s work, as both a Secretary and Chair of the Scottish Division and HMC Board member since March 2023.

Lisa Kerr said:

“It is a real honour to be appointed as the next Chair of HMC. HMC schools all over the world represent some of the very best of independent education, not only in academic excellence but in their dedication to pastoral care, widening access and preparing young people for life in a rapidly changing world.

I look forward to working with colleagues across the association to ensure HMC continues to be a strong voice for our schools and for the vital role they play within the wider educational landscape.”

Dr Simon Hyde, CEO of HMC, said:

“I am delighted that Lisa has agreed to serve as Chair of HMC for 2027/28.

Lisa is an outstanding school leader with a deep understanding of the sector and a clear commitment to the values that define HMC. She brings strategic insight, warmth and integrity, and she will be an excellent advocate for independent education at an important moment for our schools.

We very much look forward to her leadership and the contribution she will make to HMC’s future direction.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. HMC (The Heads’ Conference) is a professional association of heads of the world’s leading independent schools. HMC schools are committed to delivering outstanding education and pastoral care, supporting social mobility and contributing positively to the wider educational community.
2. George Watson’s College is a co-educational independent day school in Scotland, situated on Colinton Road, in the Merchiston area of Edinburgh.
3. Philip Britton MBE (Bolton School) is HMC chair for 2025/2026, and Dr Anne Cotton (KCS Wimbledon) will be chair for 2026/2027.
4. For further information about HMC please contact [email protected]
5. For further information about George Watson’s College please contact [email protected]