Image from Lathallan School’s Facebook page

Lathallan School, a co-educational all-through independent school at Brotherton Castle in Northeast Scotland, has appointed Edward Foster as its new bursar succeeding Valerie Corbett who has retired after working as bursar for more than 20 years.

Foster will participate in Lathallan’s strategic development and educational offering, responsible for 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.

Foster started his career in the public sector, working at Audit Scotland. 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, he was appointed finance manager with The Highland Council and three years later, promoted to head of finance.

Foster is married with three young children. 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.”

Lathallan School’s headmaster 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 school’s board of governors, added: “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.”