Education and Lifelong Learning

The Education and Lifelong Learning Department aims to improve the lives of the people of the Borders, from pre-school children to our mature citizens. We aim to do this by providing opportunities for individual learning, personal development and leisure.

A major part of the Department's work focuses on children. All of our children are entitled to the best learning experience we can offer but as the Scottish Borders has one of the highest average population age in Scotland. It is important that our learning and leisure opportunities reflect the needs of the people we serve.

Our Goals

The goals for the department are linked to national agendas for school education, community learning and cultural development. They are also linked to local community planning (New Ways) objectives.

There are four Services within Education and Lifelong Learning:

Each Service contributes to the Council's corporate priorities

- Strong, inclusive and safe communities
- A robust and dynamic economy
- A protected and enhanced natural environment
- Improved health and well-being
- Learning for everyone
- A well connected Borders

Contacts

Overall responsibility for all our operational and business functions rests with the Director of Education & Lifelong Learning, Glenn Rodger. He, alongside the five heads of services (below) are located at Council Headquarters, in Newtown St Boswells, Melrose TD6 0SA.

Schools Services - Jackie Swanston (secondary schools and pupil support) and Yvonne McCracken (primary schools, pre-school and the childcare partnership)
Community Services - Alan Hasson
Business Services - Lynn Mirley
Quality Services - Kate Houston

The main switchboard number for the department is 01835 824000.

The elected members with responsibility for the department are Councillor Catriona Bhatia and Councillor Graham Garvie.

For general inquiries on issues not covered within the website please contact us online

Key departmental policies include

Race Equality Policy for Schools. You can download a copy or request a copy online