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West Dunbartonshire Council appoints new Chief Education Officer

Gillian Hamilton

Published 13 August 2025

West Dunbartonshire Council is delighted to announce the appointment of Gillian Hamilton as the new Chief Education Officer for the area.

Gillian comes to West Dunbartonshire from her current role as Interim Chief Executive and Accountable Officer of Education Scotland, bringing a wealth of experience gained through a 35-year career in Scottish education.

As well as holding previous posts as a primary school teacher, senior teacher, depute headteacher and headteacher in schools in Glasgow, North and East Ayrshire, Gillian has also been Head of Educational Services at the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) and Chief Executive of the Scottish College for Educational Leadership (SCEL).

For the past two years, Gillian has been working to raise attainment for all learners while at the helm of Education Scotland.

Gillian, who will take up her new post in Autumn this year, said: “I am so excited to be taking on the role of Chief Education Officer and I’m really looking forward to building on the excellent work already taking place across West Dunbartonshire’s schools and early learning settings.

“My first task in the role will be to learn more about the service’s many strengths, as well as areas which will benefit from further support and focus going forward.

“I have worked in education my whole adult life, and my priority has always been supporting children, families and educators to thrive and be the very best they can be.

“That is the ethos that will underpin my leadership in education in West Dunbartonshire and I can’t wait to get started.”

Councillor Clare Steel, Convener of Education at West Dunbartonshire Council, added: “I am thrilled to welcome Gillian to West Dunbartonshire.

 “Her vast experience of the educational sector, alongside her clear commitment to supporting pupils to achieve their best, makes her an asset to the Council and our communities.

“I very much look forward to working alongside her to continue improving outcomes for our young people.”