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THE

PRINCIPAL

POINT

CONVERSATIONS WITH HERIOT’S
PRINCIPALS, PAST AND PRESENT

Lesley Franklin Gareth Warren

Mrs Franklin has been a part of the Heriot’s community aligned with our ethos as a school. The House of St Barnabas is run as a We are delighted to welcome Mr Gareth Warren to integration! Throughout my career in education, I have been lucky
since 1995, donning a variety of guises since she first charity that helps London's homeless back into work as a sort of George Heriot’s as the new Principal, as of the enough to experience many highs and credit the excellent staff, pupils
rehabilitation programme so the event felt like it just ‘worked’ due to the (former and current) and parental network for being an integral part of
crossed the quadrangle as a Junior School teacher. She 2021/2022 academic session.
setting, the weather, the people and the overall enthusiastic vibe in the those memories.
went from strength to strength, stepping into the role room - it felt like a real celebration of Heriot’s. Mr Warren comes to the school with a wealth of experience, having
of Head of Junior School, and most recently, the first previously been the Head at Morrisons Academy in Perth. Gareth will be We actively promote our founder’s motto of distributing
Of course, my Ken Hom dinner was a fantastic experience. The S6 pupils chearfullie and live by the values of ‘work hard, be kind, be happy’.
female Principal in Heriot’s history. worked so hard and it was incredible that we raised over £11,000 in the a wonderful asset to the Heriot’s community, where he is keen to What values do you live by?
embrace and develop Heriot’s prestigious reputation and ethos.
Quadrangle caught up with Lesley to chat about life in the driving seat, evening for the charity, ‘Action Against Hunger’. I have seven key ideals I hold in high regard both personally and within
uncovering her most cherished moments throughout her career at I enjoy the big calendar events like Prize Giving, June Day and the Usher Welcome to Heriot’s, Gareth. As you begin as Principal, what are the school environment: honesty, integrity, positivity, curiosity, tenacity
Heriot’s. Hall Concert, but also the general week-in-week-out interactions with you most looking forward to about joining the school? and being both caring and adventurous.
Thank you for joining us today, Lesley. As a member of the parents, working with the Captains and connecting with people – that’s There are many things I am looking forward to, particularly considering Values are critical to schools as they set the moral compass and serve as a
Heriot’s community since the mid ‘90’s, how would you describe one of the joys of working at Heriot’s. Heriot’s reputation as a leading school across Scotland and the UK. Its reference point for the behaviours and actions for the school community.
history, ethos and association with excellence make it an undoubted
your years here? And on the flip side, what was the greatest challenge? I believe school values must integrate and synchronise with personal
privilege to lead as Principal. Along with these virtues it is also the
Happy. Very happy, and incredibly busy. It’s been very positive and there During my time here, we have seen two serving members of staff pass potential of the school, the scope and possibilities of how it can develop values so that we can all become balanced, honest and caring individuals.
have been a lot of changes along the way but some things have stayed
away. To this day I commend how the staff supported pupils, colleagues and its capacity to be a leading voice in the evolution of education that Former pupils are an integral part of the wider school community.
the same, like the Heriot’s ethos. Our motto, I distribute chearfullie, has and parents. It was a testament to the Heriot’s ethos and community generates a personal excitement. Do you have any words for Herioters across the globe?
become much more of a mission statement. The Rights Respecting
spirit that we got through it the way we did. Those staff still remain in One of the most pleasurable parts of the role as a Principal is to meet
Schools Assessor said, when she spoke to the pupils, they would mention our thoughts. Above all it’s the people that make a school and the staff, pupils and
the school motto to her and that never happens when they go to other community of families that connect with the school make it a special former pupils, to learn of their careers, responsibilities, adventures and
Reflecting on your Heriot’s journey, what will you miss most about place. The significant network of Former Pupils and the potential that lies their association and memories of the school. I am delighted to address
schools. That’s a real testament to the Heriot’s community. So yes, it’s
being Principal? the FP network directly in this edition of Quadrangle and say: “I look
been a real pleasure to work here, with great colleagues, lovely families behind this community is particularly intriguing and I am looking forward forward to meeting you, whether in person or virtually, and hope that the
and brilliant pupils. The people – all the staff, parents, pupils, former pupils and the daily to understanding how these relationships can be channelled and
interactions with them all as individuals. When you’ve got a tricky day harnessed in promoting and improving the school. I hope we can work relationship you have with the school continues to be close, to feel
What are the standout experiences of your Heriot’s career? connected and one that can bring benefit to others.”
ahead and a little Junior School pupil (for example) greets you in the together to make a difference to people’s lives in keeping with the
That’s a tough one as there have been so many. Most people will know quadrangle with a funny story or question, it’s an incredibly heart- Heriot’s ethos, an ethos that makes it a truly inspirational institution. Finally, you’ve been to Heriot’s a few times prior to ‘officially’
I’m quite competitive when it comes to hockey so when the P7s won the warming feeling. It’s the school community that makes Heriot’s what joining us, do you have any early thoughts about what makes
annual Watson’s Tournament against all other Scottish independent it is. Across your teaching career, do you have any favourite high points? Heriot’s special?
schools, I was absolutely thrilled as the girls played so well that day. Across a career as a Science and Sports teacher there are always a few
And finally, do you have any ‘golden nuggets’ of advice for It’s presence, for one. There is certainly an aura as you enter the historic
There have been lovely hockey wins in my time here which I will cherish, ‘moments’ that live in the memory. I spent time teaching in Bermuda
Mr Warren? and the routine of marking homework was made all the more buildings and a clear sense that this is a very special place. The interactions
and also the camaraderie and team spirit.
Live by the motto and distribute chearfullie. That’s probably the best manageable by my ‘desk’ being the beach in John Smith’s Bay – who I have had with some pupils and staff indicate a strong investment and
The former pupil events are a real highlight too and the House of St connection with the school, a pride in being part of Heriot’s and also a
advice I could give. It’s a wonderfully fulfilling role. Relish the can complain there?! I always fondly recall experiments that don’t run to
Barnabas Reception was particularly memorable. It was the first time we recognition that it is a privilege to be part of such a school. There is a
opportunity and enjoy it. If Gareth has a Heriot’s experience like I have, plan – a certain exploding yoghurt springs to mind along with the
had tried a more informal event and there were a huge number of wonderful sense of duty to do your best and maintain the high standards
he will have a very happy headship indeed. I am very grateful to all. millennium home-brews created by an S6 class which were rather
Herioters of all ages in attendance. The venue was ideal, not just of the Heriot’s community. The Heriot’s crest is worn with honour in and
revolting! Then of course, there are numerous sporting occasions and
because it was in a beautiful, old Georgian building, but because it beyond the gates of Lauriston Place. For me, that’s a true testament to the
memories centring around school trips which are always a joy to look
back on. One particular highlight was sailing around the Peloponnese standing of Heriot’s as Scotland's leading independent school.
Islands with 40 youths from Manchester – an interesting cultural