Highland Council has named Bernadette Scott as the new Chief Officer for Education – Primary and Early Years.
Her appointment marks the final piece of the puzzle in the Council’s reshaped People Service Cluster under the direction of Assistant Chief Executive Kate Lackie.
Bernadette brings more than three decades of dedication to Scottish education, with a current role at Perth and Kinross Council as Service Manager for Early Years and Childcare.
Her recent responsibilities span the full spectrum of education from age two to eighteen, with a focus on driving improvement across Early Learning settings and schools.
She has led strategic developments in raising attainment, staff development, and performance reporting.
Before joining the Central Management Team in Perth, Bernadette spent 12 years as a Head Teacher in primary schools, cementing her reputation for delivering results.
She also served as a Quality Improvement Officer, honing her expertise in school development.
Her wealth of knowledge is matched by her commitment to inclusion and achieving the best outcomes for every child.
Highland Council Convener Bill Lobban welcomed her warmly, praising the strong experience and leadership she brings to the region.
He expressed confidence that her appointment would further accelerate the Council’s reorganisation.
The new management structure aims to deliver a leaner leadership model and is set to save £370,000 initially.
These changes were part of a wider budget strategy agreed in February 2024, targeting long-term efficiency.
Eventually, senior management costs are expected to fall by around 20%, aligning Highland Council with best practice models across Scotland.
Bernadette is set to begin her new role on 1 June and is eager to take the helm during a transformative period for Highland education.
She looks forward to working collaboratively to raise attainment in primary schools and strengthen inclusive practices.
The new structure, approved in March, simplifies the leadership model from three tiers to two.
This move positions Highland Council alongside other forward-thinking authorities while ensuring that leadership remains close to classrooms.
With Bernadette at the forefront, the Council hopes to spark fresh momentum in learning and development.
She joins a team that is now fully in place and ready to deliver the Council’s ambitious vision for children and young people.
Her arrival signals a new chapter for primary and early years education across the Highlands.
