St Margaret’s School for Girls in Aberdeen, one of Scotland’s leading independent schools, has today announced the appointment of a new Head who will take up the post in August 2010.

Dr Julie Land, currently the school’s Deputy Head, will take over from current headmistress Anne Everest, who is to become Head of St George's School for Girls in Edinburgh.

Dr Land, who studied at both the University of Manchester and the University of Newcastle, taught mathematics for 11 years before joining St Margaret’s in 2003 as Head of Mathematics. She was promoted to Deputy Head the following year.

Mrs Sue Rutherford, chair of the School Council, said she is delighted that Dr Land will be taking the helm at St Margaret’s.

“We had an exceptionally strong field of candidates, but Dr Land was the unanimous choice of everyone who took part in the selection process,” she said.

“Since coming to St Margaret’s six years ago, Dr Land has made a significant contribution to setting the direction for the school through her establishment of a quality assurance scheme and producing our school timetable.

“Dr Land has proved to be a dedicated and committed deputy head and she has provided an excellent level of support for Mrs Everest and her predecessor, Mrs McKay. We are confident that this passion for St Margaret’s and the teaching profession will take the school forward.”

Dr Land said: “At St Margaret’s, we have a very strong academic record and a very full range of extra-curricular activities, providing excellent opportunities for our girls and allowing them to reach their full potential.

“I am very excited at the prospect of becoming the Head of such an exceptional school.”