Albyn School is delighted to announce the appointments of David Starbuck as Head of School and of Jennifer Young as Chair of Board of Governors.
David brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having played a pivotal part in shaping Albyn’s academic credentials and cultivating its positive, can-do culture. He has been a valued member of the Albyn School community since 2013 serving as Deputy Head, Senior Deputy Head (Academic) and most recently as Acting Head. Beyond his professional expertise, David is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and community engagement.
“I am deeply honoured and delighted to take on the role of Head of Albyn School. Albyn holds a special place in my heart as a community that embodies ambition, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing young people. Together with our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and inspiring current and former pupils, I am excited to lead Albyn into its next chapter – building on its proud traditions while embracing opportunities to ensure we remain a leading community of learners and an enduring force for good in the Aberdeen community.”
Albyn School’s commitment to the wider community is exemplified by its current Official Education Partnership with Clan Cancer Support Charity and the Bridge Programme Partnership run with Holy Family School. In addition, David is looking forward to August 2025 which will mark the beginning of a busy year commemorating 100 years of Albyn School on Queen’s Road.
Jennifer brings her extensive and wide-ranging expertise to the Board of Albyn School. She is a passionate advocate for the north-east, having attended school in Newmachar and Dyce, before being the first in her family to attend University in Aberdeen where she studied law.
After training in Edinburgh and working in Glasgow as a lawyer specialising in construction law, Jennifer returned to her hometown to join Ledingham Chalmers where she has been a partner since 1999. After eight years as chair, she became managing partner in June 2020 overseeing strategic planning, governance, people and business development and client management, as well as income generation. In November 2024 she stepped back to a more client focussed role as an accredited specialist in construction law.
Jennifer is an Honorary fellow of The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and has held numerous Board appointments across Scotland as well as having previous governorship experience in education. Her knowledge and skills will be a hugely valuable addition to the Board of Governors.
“Joining as Chair is a great opportunity to give something back (a Ledingham Chalmers core value) to a place that plays an important role in my family’s life. As a parent, I’ve seen how the School’s values and culture make a real difference, not just to its pupils but to the wider community. In short, institutions like Albyn School are crucial when it comes to helping cities like Aberdeen thrive. I’m looking forward to working with my fellow Governors and David who brings impressive experience as someone who has been a pivotal part of shaping Albyn’s academic credentials and cultivating its positive, can-do culture.”