Nicola Kurth
Edinburgh,Scotland
Summary
Accomplished professional with expertise in education policy analysis and implementation, strategic leadership, and change management. Demonstrated proficiency in research-informed practice evaluation, quality assurance, and self-evaluation. Skilled in public-sector financial management, people management and coaching, as well as fostering inclusion and flexible learning pathways. Proven track record in governance and system improvement. Committed to driving educational excellence through innovative strategies and continuous improvement.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
2021
2021
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Member of HT Executive
CEC
Edinburgh
2023.01 - 2026.02
- Led strategic dialogues on leadership, curriculum, inclusion, resourcing, and workforce policy to align educational objectives.
- Influenced positions within head teachers’ executive committee to drive initiatives that improved educational outcomes.
- Facilitated consultations within Edinburgh primary head teachers’ association to foster collaboration and share best practices.
Professional Verifier – Into Headship Programme
2022.01 - 2026.02
- Assure quality and consistency of leadership preparation aligned with national standards.
- Evaluate professional learning portfolios and leadership evidence.
- Contribute to moderation and quality assurance processes.
- Provide analytical feedback to support continuous improvement.
Head Teacher
Dean Park Primary School, City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh
2020.03 - 2026.02
- Provide strategic leadership for a large primary school, translating national and local education policy into effective and sustainable practice.
- Lead whole-school improvement planning aligned with Scottish Government, Education Scotland, and local authority priorities.
- Plan for, lead, and manage sustainable change, securing long-term improvement rather than short-term compliance.
- Manage complex school budgets, demonstrating effective stewardship of public funds and best-value decision-making.
- Use attainment, wellbeing, and inspection evidence to evaluate impact and inform strategic decisions.
- Lead and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and professional challenge.
- Represent Head Teacher colleagues in professional and strategic forums.
- System & Policy Insight
- Identify implementation challenges, unintended consequences, and system pressures arising from national reform agendas.
- Contribute practitioner-led insight to policy-related discussions on leadership, inclusion, accountability, and resourcing.
System Support: Self-Evaluation, Inspection & Quality Assurance
2020.01 - 2026.02
- Support schools to undertake robust self-evaluation aligned with national quality frameworks and inspection policy.
- Apply Education Scotland quality indicators to support evidence-based evaluation.
- Provide professional challenge to senior leaders in evaluating impact and planning improvement.
- Contribute to consistency and equity in inspection and accountability processes.
Depute Head Teacher
Blackhall Primary School, City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh
2019.09 - 2020.03
- Supported leadership in a large, diverse urban primary school.
- Led implementation of policy relating to curriculum, learner support, and wellbeing.
- Contributed to improvement planning and inspection readiness.
Depute Head Teacher
Pentland Primary School, City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh
2017.01 - 2019.01
- Supported strategic leadership of school improvement and policy implementation.
- Led curriculum, assessment, and inclusion developments aligned with national policy.
- Analysed data to inform planning and evaluate impact.
- Contributed to inspection and self-evaluation using Education Scotland quality indicators.
Principal Teacher
Pentland Primary School, City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh
2013.01 - 2017.01
- Led curricular and pedagogical development in line with national policy direction.
- Supported equity-focused initiatives and inclusive practice.
- Contributed to self-evaluation and improvement planning.
Education
Into Headship Qualification – With Distinction -
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, ScotlandBEd Primary Education (Hons) – First Class Honours - undefined
University of Dundee
Dundee, ScotlandSkills
- Education policy analysis and implementation
- Strategic leadership and change management
- Research-informed practice evaluation
- Quality assurance and self-evaluation
- Public-sector financial management
- People management and coaching
- Inclusion and flexible learning pathways
- Governance and system improvement
Timeline
Member of HT Executive
CEC
2023.01 - 2026.02
Professional Verifier – Into Headship Programme
2022.01 - 2026.02
Head Teacher
Dean Park Primary School, City of Edinburgh Council
2020.03 - 2026.02
System Support: Self-Evaluation, Inspection & Quality Assurance
2020.01 - 2026.02
Depute Head Teacher
Blackhall Primary School, City of Edinburgh Council
2019.09 - 2020.03
Depute Head Teacher
Pentland Primary School, City of Edinburgh Council
2017.01 - 2019.01
Principal Teacher
Pentland Primary School, City of Edinburgh Council
2013.01 - 2017.01
BEd Primary Education (Hons) – First Class Honours - undefined
University of Dundee
Into Headship Qualification – With Distinction -
University of Edinburgh