Fife Council appoints new Executive Director of Education

Donald Macleod, currently a Head of Service at Glasgow City Council, will join the Fife team in August to lead the Education Directorate.

Cllr Cara Hilton, spokesperson for education said: “This post attracted some high calibre candidates from across the country and we’ve been through a rigorous selection process. I’m extremely pleased to announce that Donald Macleod has accepted the position of Executive Director of Education.

“Donald’s range of experience across the sector impressed the appointment committee, from teaching himself, to inspecting varied education settings and leading a large service. He is passionate about the role learning has to play in positively directing young people’s lives and providing a route out of poverty.

“As a council we’re focussed on tackling inequalities and closing the educational attainment gap, to ensure everyone in Fife has great life opportunities. I look forward to working with Donald to achieve our ambitions.”

After starting his career as a teacher over 30 years ago, Mr Macleod also worked for 14 years with Education Scotland HM Inspectors of Education (HMIE) before taking up a leadership role in local government in 2018. At Glasgow City Council he has been responsible for developing a range of improvement work in areas including digital learning, learning and teaching, curriculum and moderation and assessment. He currently has responsibility for schools across the south and part of the northwest of the city.

Reacting to his appointment, Mr Macleod said: “I’m honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Fife’s education services and improving life chances for all. I look forward to working with schools, communities, officers and councillors, to build on existing strengths across the Kingdom and help young people and families benefit from all that learning has to offer.”

The Executive Director of Education is responsible for over 150 schools and nurseries across Fife as well as a range of support services, including educational psychology, additional support for learning, Active Schools, professional leaning and out of school care clubs.