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 School of Education at the University of Glasgow where he acts as Convenor of the Board of Catholic Education.  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 Coupar

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 advice and support for the teaching of religious education in Catholic schools and works closley with colleagues in Education Scotland and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

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

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James McVittie

James is the Chair of the Catholic Education Commission and works to support SCES in a number of strategic areas, including the 'Listening to the Pupil Voice' project.  Before retiring from teaching, James was Head Teacher of St Ninian's High School in Giffnock, near Glasgow, following some years as Head Teacher of St Stephen's High School in Port Glasgow.

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 various forms of support to SCES, including promoting parental involvement.

Ellen McBride

Ellen is a retired Primary Head Teacher and member of the Quality Assurance team in Strathclyde Regional Council's Education Department.  She represents the Archdiocese of Glasgow on Glasgow City Council and is Chair of the CEC's Committee of Catholic Church Reps in Scotland.

Neil Roarty

Neil retired from the post of Head Teacher of Turnbull High School, Bishopbriggs in August 2012.  A former Chair of the Catholic Education Commission, he is involved in supporting a range of SCES activities.