Scottish Catholic Education Service (SCES)

SCES was established by the Bishops of Scotland to implement the strategic plans of the Catholic Education Commission (CEC).  We work with a range of individual colleagues, partner associations and Church agencies in our efforts to promote and support Catholic education in Scotland.  Some of this work involves discussion and consultation with officials from local Councils, the Scottish Government, many educational organisations and other groups.  Other work includes the development of resources and support materials for schools and parishes.

SCES Personnel

Michael McGrath

Michael was appointed as the first Director of SCES in August 2003.  Having taught English and R.E. since 1975, Michael had been Head Teacher of Our Lady's High School, Cumbernauld for 7 years.

The Director is the chief officer of the Catholic Education Commission, providing strategic leadership in the formulation of policy and supporting its work in all its aspects, in particular liaising with local and national Government. 

Michael is Senior Honorary Teaching Fellow in the Religious Education Department of the Faculty of Education at the University of Glasgow.  He is also a member of the General Teaching Council of Scotland.

Margaret Lavery

Margaret is Personal Assistant to the Director, offering administrative support to the Commission. She was appointed to this new post in September 2003.  She is responsible for the operational activity of the SCES office and she provides significant support to the Catholic Head Teacher associations, CHAS & CHAPS, to Church Reps., school colleagues and others.

Margaret's professional background is in management and educational administration.

Barbara Campbell

Barbara is an Adviser in Religious Education who also works on behalf of the Archdiocese  of Glasgow and the Diocese of Motherwell.  She was appointed to this post in January 2009, having formerly been Principal Teacher of Religious Education in Notre Dame High School in Greenock. 

Barbara has a lead role in the development of new Church guidance on the teaching of religious education.

We are fortunate in having the invaluable support of various colleagues on a part-time and occasional basis.

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Sam McFadden

Sam was Project Officer for the Called to Love project.   He was seconded to SCES (from August 2005 to June 2007) from his substantive post as Principal Teacher of Religious Education in St Andrew's Academy, Paisley.  He now offers support to SCES on a consultancy basis.

John Brown

John is a retired member of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education in Scotland(HMIe). A former Head of Religious Education, John offers support to SCES, principally through the Excellent Catholic Schools project.

Kathleen Wallace

Kathleen is a retired secondary school Depute Head Teacher.  She provides support to SCES in collating, processing and analysing information.