LATHALLAN School is delighted to announce the appointment of Edward Foster as its new Bursar.
A member of the school’s Senior Leadership Team, Ed will play an important role in Lathallan’s ongoing strategic development, participating in key decisions about the school’s educational offering, continuing to drive long-term financial and operational stability, and overseeing a team of support staff. Other areas of responsibility include estates, IT, facilities, procurement and human resources.
Ed started his career in the public sector, working at Audit Scotland, after graduating with a MA (Hons) in Financial Economics from The University of St Andrews’ School of Economics and Finance. In 2006, he began a six-year tenure with The City of Edinburgh Council, gaining his CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification and working as an accountant within the Children and Families department, and on the Edinburgh Trams project.
In 2013, Ed moved to Nairn, following his appointment to the position of Finance Manager with The Highland Council. Three years later, he was promoted to Head of Finance. Relocating to the North East of Scotland with his wife and three young children, who have joined the Lathallan student body, Ed began his new role on 6 March.
He said: “What first struck me about Lathallan was how friendly everyone was, and the pervading atmosphere of happiness that exists among pupils and staff. Although still new to the role, it has already become very apparent to me that what we offer here is incredibly special; the chance for children to receive a fantastic academic education, but also the breadth of opportunities and the co-curricular offering surrounding that.
“I am looking forward to delivering on the strategic aspects of the role, while also getting more involved in the day-to-day operations; building on the work of my predecessor and supporting the team in further evolving the school as we build towards our centenary year in 2030. From a personal standpoint, my family and I are really excited about being part of the school community, which has so warmly welcomed us.”
Headmaster at Lathallan School, Mr Richard Toley, said, “In our process of seeking to appoint a new bursar, Ed’s significant financial expertise and credentials really impressed us, as did his keen understanding of how schools operate, gained through his experience at both the City of Edinburgh Council and The Highland Council.
“This is an exciting appointment for the whole school and we are thrilled to welcome Ed, his wife Jess and their family to Lathallan. I have no doubt we will benefit from his insight, strategic thinking and a fresh approach as we take the school into its next stage of growth and development. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Valerie for her many years of service, and for playing a pivotal role in overseeing so much of what makes Lathallan the wonderful place it is.”
Derek Cowie, Chair of the Board of Governors at Lathallan School, said: “With significant experience of working at a senior level within the public sector, we are fortunate to have recruited a Bursar of such a high calibre and know we will benefit greatly from his capabilities and operational experience as we look to the future and delivering long-term, strategic growth for the school.”
Ed succeeds Valerie Corbett, the previous Bursar, who retires after more than 20 years’ service.
