A former head teacher and local authority head of education has
been appointed as the new chief executive of Education Scotland.
Donna McMaster, formerly Head of Education at West Lothian
Council, will take up the role next month at the helm of the
national education body tasked with leading on curriculum design,
delivery and improvement, and a new national framework for
professional learning.
Education Secretary 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."
Ms 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.”
Background
Donna McMaster was previously head teacher at Castlemilk High
School, then seconded to Drumchapel High School, as well as at
Inveralmond Community High School, 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. She has joined Education
Scotland from Aldar Education in the UAE 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.
