Former Castlemilk and Drumchapel high schools head teacher and West Lothian Council head of education Donna McMaster has been appointed as the new chief executive of Education Scotland.
McMaster was previously head teacher at Castlemilk High School, then seconded to Drumchapel High School, as well as at Inveralmond Community High School in Livingston, before going on to become Head of Education (Curriculum, Quality Improvement and Performance) at West Lothian Council.
She was a member of the Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (ADES) and has experience in developing and implementing 3-18 curriculum models at school, local authority and national level.
McMaster has joined Education Scotland from private schools operator Aldar Education in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where she was Director of Education.
She is scheduled to start at Education Scotland on Monday, April 27, subject to final pre-appointment checks being completed.
Education Scotland is tasked with leading on curriculum design, delivery and improvement, and a new national framework for professional learning.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “Donna brings a wealth of experience to the leadership of Education Scotland at a key time in the wider reform programme.
“Her time in the classroom, leading schools to improve as a former Secondary Headteacher, along with her strategic experience at local authority level, provide the right mix of knowledge and skills necessary to drive Education Scotland forward.
“Refocussing Education Scotland on the curriculum will deliver the change and improvement necessary to achieve excellence and equity for Scotland’s children and young people, and importantly provide better support for our teaching profession.”
McMaster said: “I feel both privileged and excited to be taking up the role as chief executive of Education Scotland.
“As an organisation, we will look to lead across the system with clarity and ambition – empowering teachers, supporting leaders, and ensuring excellence and equity for every learner in Scotland.
“By working hand-in-hand with schools and local authorities, we can create the conditions for all of Scotland’s children and young people to succeed.”