Pauline Cox was appointed Chair of Edinburgh u3a in November 2025, succeeding George Cleland. Under George’s leadership, the organisation grew into one of the most successful u3a’s in the UK. So, what do the next three years have in store with Pauline in charge?

Here, Pauline talks about her career, her experience of Edinburgh u3a after moving to the city just over a year ago, and her thoughts for the future.

Pauline, tell us about your career, and experience of committees like Edinburgh u3a.

For most of my career I worked in schools. I began as a Geography teacher, became Head of Department and then Deputy Head at a community comprehensive. After that, I was appointed Head Teacher at The Tiffin Girls’ School - a grammar school in Kingston Upon Thames.

Tiffin was a wonderful school with very bright students. Our strengths were maths and computing science. At the time we were one of the few schools in the country offering these subjects to A-Level - and our girls were highly sought after by employers. We had 120 places each year and over 2,000 applicants.

During my sixteen years as Head Teacher, I worked closely with other heads on various committees, and with an excellent Chair of Governors. Together, we focused on expansion, new facilities, and fundraising. The governing body was made up of high-calibre individuals, many of whom stayed on long after their children had left.

One major challenge came when we lost one third of the school to a fire. Fundraising to rebuild was vital, while also managing timetables in limited space. We were fortunate to have staunch support: – I’ve found that if you can persuade people like Sir David Attenborough, Sir Matthew Pinsent, CBE, or Rory Bremner to do fundraising talks, it really helps!

My committee experience began even earlier, as student chair in the Geography Department at the University of Birmingham, and continued throughout my career. Perhaps my most significant role was at the Smallpeice and Arkwright Scholarship Trusts, the UK’s leading STEM education charities. I was a trustee for eleven years and Chair for around four. With a clear strategy and funds of £27m, we reached thousands of young school students each year, getting them to run engineering projects – something I’m enormously proud of.

How did you come to live in Edinburgh?

I’ve lived all over the world. My husband, Stephen, worked for the British Council, so we went wherever he was posted. We spent three years in Poland under Communism and three years in Ghana during two coups, when there was no water, power, fuel, or food – and I narrowly avoided a bullet that went through my car! We also spent two fascinating years in Washington DC.

After my husband died, I decided to relocate. My son lives in Oxford, where I visit often, but I moved to Edinburgh to be near my daughter and her family.

I joined u3a soon after arriving and am now a member of nine groups. Some had waiting lists, but I soon found places. I don’t think I’ve ever been busier! When I was asked to consider becoming Chair, I couldn’t resist. I’ve been overwhelmed by the warmth and friendliness I’ve experienced.

What are your thoughts for Edinburgh u3a over the next three years?

I’m fortunate to inherit a successful organisation with enthusiastic members and a committee of talented volunteers. A key part of my role will be encouraging more people to get involved - as committee members or group leaders – as demand for groups continues to grow.

Our membership includes many fascinating people who have achieved a great deal in their own fields. I’d like to tap into that more and help members feel part of a wider collective, as well as their individual groups. I also want to ensure that anyone, from anywhere in the city, feels welcome.

With our new secretary, Gordon Ferrier, I’ve already begun discussions with the committee about a three-year strategy for Edinburgh u3a. For that, we must bring in viewpoints from all around us. From experience, I know that clear focus and shared priorities channel resources, and lead to better outcomes.

I hope to bring my experience of encouraging people to help to Edinburgh u3a develop in ways that benefit members even more. Ultimately, we won’t be judged by size alone, but by the quality of experience we offer. I look forward to hearing from members what that should look like in 2030. They will be the judge of my success.

Interview with Vikki Kirby, January 2026.

Page last updated on 24th January 2026