The Governors’ duty is to ensure that the school runs successfully, safely and smoothly. They are the custodians of the school.

The Board’s principal functions are, to be ultimately responsible for the safe and purposeful administration of the school. To ensure that the school is in financial control. To appoint the Head and the Bursar. To contribute to the formulation of the school’s aims. To elect, within its constitution, its members, particularly the Chairman

Currently, the Board consists of 6 members:

Professor Bart McGettrick, Chairman of the Board of Governors

Professor Bart McGettrick is Emeritus Professor of Education and Dean Emeritus, of the Faculty of Education at the University of Glasgow. He is also Emeritus Professor of Christian Education at Liverpool Hope University. He was the first Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Glasgow.  He is Chair of the International Board of Regents of Bethlehem University, Palestine, and works extensively in The Middle East – including chairing the Board of Governors of Tabeetha School in Tel Aviv (The Church of Scotland School.).

He has a background in education and public life that is varied.  He has chaired a range of national committees and a number of Boards of Governors of schools and other organisations. He is a past chairman of SCIS.

He has lectured in every continent except Antarctica! A regular contributor to national and international conferences and conventions across the world.

David Mitchell B.A. (Hons)

Born in Perthshire, David was educated at Harris Academy, Dundee and graduated from Heriot-Watt University in 1976 with a business degree. Following a career including senior operational roles with Sky Television and Kwik-Fit Financial Services, he now runs a small business consultancy with particular focus on business start-ups, change management and helping organisations to get the best from their most important resource – their people.

David is a former Director of the Scottish Parent Teacher Council and was the West Lothian parent representative when the National Parent Forum of Scotland was created in 2009. Previously, he was a Council Member having served a six year term on the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

He lives in Linlithgow and is married with 5 children and plays golf and tennis when time allows. David is very keen to contribute to the ongoing success at Clifton Hall School and in particular the wide range of successful outcomes for all of the young people at the school.

David Ogilvy LLB (Hons), Dip. L.P.

David is a partner with Turcan Connell.

He practises in fields of civil litigation and employment law. Accredited as a specialist in employment law by the Law Society of Scotland, he has over 25 years’ experience of contentious matters in a wide range of areas.

He previously served a five year term as part-time Chairman with the Employment Tribunal. David is a trustee of Clifton Hall School. He previously sat on the Board of Leuchie and now sits on the Board of Columb 1400. He previously sat for eight years on the board of a college of further education.

Aileen Symington

Eileen Symington

Born and educated in Ayr.

Graduated with Primary Teaching Diploma in 1976.

Have had a fulfilling and rewarding career as a class teacher, Principal Teacher, Depute Head then Headteacher  for the last 9 years of my career.

 In my promoted positions in several schools, I managed the Additional Support Needs role and pursued  training and qualifications to work with pupils on the Autistic Spectrum.

It is a pleasure to continue my lifelong passion for education and learning as a governor at Clifton Hall. I believe my background training and experience will equip me to support the school willingly and effectively on the board and in the Pastoral Care sub group.

In my retirement I play golf regularly, sing in a local choir and enjoy yoga and aerobics.

Bruce Wishart

Awaiting biography.

David Stephen BSc (Hons)

David was born in Aberdeenshire and was educated at Merchiston Castle School. He subsequently attended Heriot-Watt University, graduating in 1984 with a BSc (Hons) in Building. He worked in the industry for 10 years before establishing Westmill Construction in 1994. He has developed this business for over 20 years and has experience in renovation works to Commercial, Industrial and Listed Buildings.

David was elected President of Scottish Building Federation, Edinburgh Association in 2008-2009 and has served as a Trustee of SBF Charitable Trust since 2008.

David’s interests include playing drums in a rock and blues band, motorcycling and cycling. He is married to Kerry and has a son in the senior school at Clifton Hall.