Shape the future of education in Scotland
Are you ready to lead the transformation of Scottish education?
Education Scotland is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to take on the role of Chief Executive and drive cultural and system-level change. This is a unique opportunity to provide exceptional national leadership, reshape the organisation into a confident and influential public body, and deliver lasting impact for learners and educators.
You’ll be at the heart of Scotland’s education reform, setting strategic direction, building trust, and working collaboratively with partners to strengthen curriculum design, improvement and innovation.
Apply now
- Role: Chief Executive of Education Scotland
- Salary: £111,916 – £121,143
- Applications close: 05/01/2026, 23:55
Please ensure you read the full job advert and person specification before applying.
Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles here.
About the role
As Chief Executive of Education Scotland, you will set the strategic direction for the organisation, and lead the Senior Leadership Team to deliver ambitious outcomes. You’ll transform the organisation into a confident, respected and influential public body, refocusing resources on curriculum design, improvement and innovation.
The role requires building trust, working collaboratively with partners, and advising on complex issues to deliver cultural and system-level change that makes a lasting impact for learners.
Who we’re looking for
We’re seeking a dynamic and visionary leader with an education background and a proven track record of delivering system-level improvements in excellence and equity.
You’ll bring strategic insight, lead cultural and transformational change, and use evidence-based analysis and sound judgement to enable successful outcomes.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you share our values and are ready to provide exceptional national leadership and make a lasting impact for learners and educators, we encourage you to apply.
Education Scotland
Education Scotland is Scotland’s national education agency.
As part of recent reforms, its role is shifting to focus primarily on curriculum development and delivery, alongside strengthening professional learning frameworks and leadership programmes.
The Chief Executive will play a pivotal role in leading this transformation. Their leadership will guide Education Scotland through this new era of curriculum innovation and professional growth.
Why should you apply?
“This is a pivotal moment for Scottish education, as we strengthen national support for improvement and refocus Education Scotland on curriculum design, delivery and innovation.
The role demands exceptional national and organisational leadership, strategic insight, and the ability to build trust, inspire, and foster collaboration with partners and senior stakeholders across the education system.
The Chief Executive will be a key figure in shaping the future of Scottish education. If you’re ready to inspire change, deliver ambitious outcomes, and make a lasting impact for learners and educators, we’d welcome your application.”
Neil Rennick, Director General of Education and Justice
What we offer
Our benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits including:
- A competitive salary
- A generous pension scheme and annual leave package
- A range of flexible working options with base locations across Scotland
- The opportunity to deliver meaningful work for the people of Scotland
- Access to ongoing professional development
- An inclusive and supportive workplace
Committed to diversity
We are committed to recruiting a workforce which is reflective of our diverse population, where individual contributions are encouraged and valued.
We want to ensure that all applicants have the opportunity to perform at their best and we offer recruitment and workplace adjustments to anyone who needs them.
Ready to apply?
Visit the job advert via the link below for the full person specification and to apply.
Applications close: 05/01/2026, 23:55
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