Davina Bowers

The Forest at Merchiston in Edinburgh has announced that Davina Bowers will be its head teacher, Schoolsearch has reported.

Opening in September next year, The Forest Nursery will be open to boys and girls from ages three to five, while the Forest Junior School will accept years P1to P3.

Bowers has 18 years’ experience in early years education and moves on from Edinburgh Academy where she has worked since 2018. She was previously head of nursery and pre-prep at Cargilfield School in Edinburgh. A qualified forest school practitioner and founder of Can Do Beach School, she was also responsible for establishing the outdoor learning provision for Edinburgh Academy.

Bowers said: “I am honoured to have been appointed head teacher of The Forest at Merchiston and excited to pave the way for an unparalleled educational experience in the most beautiful natural setting in Edinburgh. I am very much looking forward to meeting all our forest pioneers, and to bringing the holistic and nurturing Forest approach to local children and their families.”

Jonathan Anderson, headmaster of Merchiston Castle School, said: “With her impressive resumé, vast teaching experience, and immense passion for early years education, Davina is the perfect candidate to lead The Forest. I have no doubt that she will deliver the very best for our forest pioneers.”