Our Team

Ged Lerpiniere, Director
I am responsible for overall strategic and project management and I manage the LEAPS team, including recruiting staff. Working with our partner organisations I review strategy, set annual targets, negotiate programme and pursue supplementary funding. My duties also include managing research and development work and I prepare the LEAPS Annual Report. Along with other members of the LEAPS team I deliver some school and campus-based activities and interact with other wider access projects. Ged.Lerpiniere@ed.ac.uk

James Lamb, Assistant Director
From August to July most of my work is geared towards managing the LEAPS Schools Programme which comprises school and campus-based ‘outreach’ activities from S2 to S6-level. During summer meanwhile I coordinate the Learning Skills course on the LEAPS Summer School and manage our team of Personal Tutors. James.Lamb@ed.ac.uk

Alison Train, Assistant Director
I oversee the LEAPS Summer School and co-ordinate the UCAS guidance interviews that all LEAPS eligible S6 pupils receive (the Pre-Application Enquiry and Interview Service). I’m also the main admissions contact for LEAPS and take part in Schools Programme events including workshops and campus visits. Alison.Train@ed.ac.uk

Claire Aitchison, Coordinator
My time is divided between coordinating activities for the Schools Programme and the LEAPS Summer School. I organise and deliver events, working closely with teachers, pupils university staff and also our team of student volunteers. Claire.Aitchison@ed.ac.uk

Alice Smith, Project Officer working with Scottish Borders Schools

Alice.C.Smith@ed.ac.uk

Roy Crichton, Project Officer
My role is to increase progression to higher education from the three schools which have had the lowest rates in recent years. This involves working directly with potential students through regular contact and e-mentoring. As the schools have a lot in common, notably having small numbers in senior years, extra activities are being developed whereby students from the three schools work together. Roy.Crichton@ed.ac.uk

Rhona Scott, Business Manager
It’s my responsibility to plan and manage the LEAPS budget and finances. I also provide statistical analysis of LEAPS performance (for example destination reports) and prepare planning review and performance reports. Rhona.Scott@ed.ac.uk

Linda O’Brien, Administrative Secretary
I’m the first point of contact for general enquiries to LEAPS and manage all things administrative in the office, including databases, website and mail outs. Where we have large school or campus-based events I contribute alongside other members of the team. Linda.OBrien@ed.ac.uk