Meet Our Team

MA (Hons) PGCE

David was appointed Head of School in January 2025, having held senior leadership roles at Albyn since 2013.  A graduate of the University of Aberdeen, he is a passionate educator with a clear commitment to academic excellence, inclusive practice, and community impact. His leadership has shaped Albyn’s culture of ambition and care, with projects such as the Bridge Programme—offering enrichment opportunities to pupils from less advantaged backgrounds—reflecting his belief in education as a lasting force for good.

David began his teaching career in Aberdeen and London and spent a decade as Creative Director of Learning Performance, gaining valuable business and communication insight while designing the study skills programmes delivered in schools across the UK. A formative gap year teaching in Tanzania cemented his perspective on empowerment and transformation through education. He leads with the conviction that education should develop both intellect and character, and brings proven experience of leading through change, with a focus on wellbeing and long-term sustainability.

A published author and speaker at national education events, David brings creativity, ambition, and integrity to his leadership at Albyn.

Lynda joined Albyn School in September 2025 with 25 years of experience in Scottish secondary schools, including as Acting Head Teacher and Deputy Head Teacher. She brings significant expertise in curriculum development, inclusion, inspection and quality assurance, and is focused on supporting every pupil. She is passionate about evidence-informed teaching, collaborative professional learning, and creating the conditions in which both pupils and staff flourish.

As an Albyn Former Pupil and current parent, Lynda has a deep connection to the school and is particularly excited to collaborate with colleagues across all stages to enhance teaching and learning.

Hear from Lynda in our latest 'meet the team' video.

BA/BSc (Hons) QTS

Nichola is a Deputy Head Teacher with over 25 years of experience in education in the state and independent sector. She graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2000 with a BA/BSc (Hons) Secondary Education in Science and Physical Education.

After teaching Physical Education at St Machar and Hazlehead Academy for 9 years, Nichola moved to Albyn School as Director of Sport in 2009. 

Since 2015, Nicola has been a dedicated member of the School Leadership Team with her main responsibilities including health and wellbeing, safeguarding, child protection and discipline. She is also the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the whole school, managing policies, training, and compliance. 

Nichola also plays an active role in developing young children in Athletics across the North East of Scotland. She has been a member of Aberdeen Athletics Club since 1988 and has been involved with coaching and managing young athletes since 1994.

Nichola has two children who are both Former Pupils of the school.

BEd (Hons)

Zibby has always loved school. Growing up in St Andrews, Zibby was passionate about her time in primary and secondary education, participating in many different sports: athletics, gymnastics, tennis, badminton, hockey and golf. She also loved music and was part of the youth orchestra and school wind band, tootling on her clarinet. Zibby had inspirational teachers who became part of her own journey into teaching. She wanted to inspire young people to find out what they loved and to have fun on their learning journey.

After graduating from Aberdeen University with BEd Hons, Zibby started her teaching career in Aboyne, following a year of travel to explore the world, visiting different schools along the way, she returned to teach in Stonehaven and then a residential SEN school before joining Albyn in 2003.

Zibby has been part of many changes in Albyn over the past 22 years, from all girls to co-education. She brings high energy and enthusiasm to the children in her care. She is passionate about helping all children develop their self-awareness, confidence and resilience to enhance their wellbeing, helping them to strive to be ambitious and to be outward looking. Having seen so many young people go through our Nursery, Lower School and Upper School makes Albyn a special place to work. Taking a group of nine pupils to Everest Base Camp in 2018, having taught five of the team in Primary 1 was a huge achievement.

Her commitment to pastoral care is evident in her desire to see pupils thrive. She feels privileged to be part of their journeys, helping them become ambitious and outward-looking. Zibby connects with pupils, nurturing the values and qualities that will equip them for their future adventures and beyond school life. 

Zibby is currently on parental leave with Ailey Smith taking over her duties. 

Ailey brings 12 years of experience at Albyn School, including roles as Deputy Head (P3–P7) and Literacy Curriculum Coordinator. A graduate of the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen with a BEd and a Masters in Education, Ailey combines academic rigour with a deep commitment to pupil wellbeing.

She is passionate about primary pedagogy and creating a nurturing environment where every child thrives. As a long-standing member of the Albyn community, Ailey is dedicated to fostering a culture of ambition and curiosity, ensuring a seamless and supportive educational journey for all Lower School pupils.

Ailey has two sons who are both currently at Albyn, with one in the Nursery and the other in the Lower School.

Ailey is covering for Zibby Brown as Assistant Head (Lower School) whilst Zibby is on parental leave.

Debbie is the Director of People & Culture, appointed in August 2025 she brings a wealth of experience in HR and operational leadership to the role.  Before joining Albyn, she dedicated over three decades to the University of Aberdeen culminating in her role as Director of People and Academic Services & Online Education.  In this capacity, she was instrumental in shaping the university's people strategy and overseeing its academic support functions.

Her expertise also extended internationally as the Director of Operations for the Qatar Campus, where she managed the operational and strategic aspects of the University's overseas presence.  Throughout her career, Debbie has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering positive and productive relationships. Her extensive experience in education across HR and operational activities has equipped her with a unique perspective of people-centric leadership and she will bring this expertise into her role at Albyn.

Hear from Debbie herself in our latest 'meet the team' video.

Graeme is originally from Glasgow and graduated in 1990 from the University of Strathclyde with an Honours degree in Technology and Business Studies. After qualifying as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Scotland) whilst working with EY in Glasgow he moved to London where he spent thirteen years working in senior Finance positions for listed companies in the Drinks and Aviation industries.

In 2005, he returned to Scotland to work for Wood in Aberdeen. Over the last twenty years, his experience has been across listed and private equity owned businesses where, latterly he was CFO of ROVOP before and after its sale to new owners. 

Graeme has twin twelve-year-old daughters who attend Albyn School in S1. He enjoys golf, running and walking the dog.

Hear from Graeme himself in our latest 'meet the team' video.

Having studied law at the University of Aberdeen, Jennifer trained with a leading national practice in Edinburgh before working in Glasgow as a lawyer specialising in construction law, returning to her hometown of Aberdeen to join the law firm Ledingham Chalmers.

Having served as the firm’s chair from 2012 and then managing partner in 2020, Jennifer has now returned to a more client facing role. Alongside her roles at Ledingham Chalmers, Jennifer also served as Chair of CBI Scotland, as well non-executive director roles at local north east charity Charlie House and on the board of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce. She also served as an independent governor at Robert Gordon University between 2009-2016.

In August 2024, Jennifer was named an honorary fellow of The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS). Jennifer joined the board of governors at Albyn School as chair in January 2025.

With her son attending Albyn School, Jennifer’s spare time is taken up by family (including her two dogs) and getting outdoors as often as possible.

MR Dip, IA, ITEC, CIDESCO, CIEL

Lynn, a former pupil of Albyn [class of ‘88], has played an active role in the Albyn Former Pupils Club for the last two decades. Initially as a committee member, after a few years was nominated as Vice President and latterly President of the club while also representing the FP Community as Governor from 2011-2013.

A founding member of the Albyn Former Pupils Honorary Committee, Lynn rejoined the board in January 2024.

Lynn trained as a Beauty Therapist at The Mary Reid International School of Beauty in Edinburgh and has 37 years of experience in the Beauty Industry.

Lynn began her career as a Beauty Therapist working for national Beauty Salon chain ‘Tao Clinic’. Between 1989 and 1995 Lynn progressed quickly and was promoted to Aberdeen Branch Manager and shortly thereafter was promoted again to Scottish Area & Sales Manager for French Skincare company Isabelle Lancray.

In October 1995 Lynn established her own beauty business The Beauty Fountain and celebrates 30 successful years in business this year.

Lynn has two daughters Zoe and Emma, who attended Albyn School and are now also proud Former Pupils.

LLB(Hons), Dip LP, NP

Sandy Hutchison was appointed Managing Director for TAQA UK in February 2025.

Having joined TAQA UK in 2007 and as leader of the Legal, Commercial and Business Services directorate since 2014, Sandy has extensive experience of the business; and has been instrumental in TAQA UK’s journey of growth and transformation, followed by its present-day focus on late-life operations and decommissioning.

Prior to TAQA UK, Sandy was senior legal advisor at Talisman Energy, having started his career in the Energy and Corporate Practice of international law firm CMS, working in their Aberdeen and London Offices. Sandy is a qualified solicitor in Scotland and in England and Wales, has completed the Oxford University (Saïd Business School) Advanced Management and Leadership Programme, and has achieved Chartered Director status of the Institute of Directors.

In his spare time Sandy enjoys sports, particularly golf, skiing as well as spending time with the family. Sandy has a son (Frederick) and daughter (Rebecca) at Albyn.

MA (Cantab.), PGCE, NPQH, NLE

Matthew read History at Cambridge and after time in industry qualified as a teacher at the University of Durham. Having taught in and been part of leadership in schools across the UK, Matthew served as Head Master of three outstanding schools for over fifteen years.

Firstly, Dover Grammar School for Girls and then St Aloysius’ College, Glasgow. His last role was as Founding Head Master of Brighton College Vietnam. He has wide and deep experience of independent and state education both internationally and within the UK. He was appointed a National Leader of Education in 2015, working country wide to raise standards of leadership and governance.

In addition to being a Governor at Albyn, Matthew is Chair of Governors at St Augustine’s Priory, London; a Trustee of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust, a panel member for the Scottish Children’s Hearings and is a Senior Advisor for RS Academics recruiting Heads for leading schools worldwide.

Proud to live in Scotland he is actively involved with the hospice movement through volunteering and is a keen member of his church community serving as Chair of his parish advisory council.

BSc (Eng), AIA (Scot), ARAgS 

Having studied engineering at the University of Aberdeen, Grant has over 25 years of business experience with ANM Group Ltd, one of the country’s largest co-operative enterprises. He was appointed to the Group’s senior leadership team and Board in 2014 and became Chief Executive in 2016.

Grant’s role gives him broad sectoral insight and experience across diverse industries and geographies, reflecting the Group’s extensive and varied operations. In addition to his work with ANM, he serves as Non-Executive Chair of the North of Scotland KTP Centre and holds a non-executive position on the University of Aberdeen Business School Advisory Board.

In 2023, he was named an honorary associate of the Royal Agricultural Society, recognising his contributions to the industry.

Grant’s connection to Albyn School is a personal one too, his daughter Lisa attended the school from nursery through to S6 and is a proud former pupil.

Cara joined the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce team in June 2026 following a lengthy career with DC Thomson, where she led the Events and Partnerships team for the last 9 years.

As Events and Marketing Manager at the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Cara brings extensive experience across media, business, and regional development sectors. She has successfully led the delivery of high-impact events and marketing initiatives, working closely with businesses, public sector organisations, charities and community partners to drive both commercial growth and meaningful regional impact.

With a skill set spanning marketing strategy, large-scale event delivery, partnerships and operational leadership, Cara has a proven track record of building high-performing teams and creating collaborative partnerships that deliver measurable results. Her approach combines commercial focus with creative thinking, ensuring programmes not only achieve organisational objectives but also leave a lasting legacy within the communities they serve.

Outside of work, Cara enjoys spending time with her family and friends along with her full-of-life golden labrador, Belle!