Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth joined staff and students to mark the formal launch of the Centre for Teaching Excellence at the University of Glasgow.

The facility has been established with the aim of ensuring Scotland is at the forefront of global teaching practice and will support research and innovation within the profession.

The Glasgow base will be complemented by a further two hubs in Sabhal Mòr Ostaig (Gaelic Medium Education) and in Dumfries (Rural and Remote Education and Learning for Sustainability). There will be up to 40 secondment opportunities for teachers across the country, to support the work of the research hubs.

The centre has been developed in partnership with teachers and professional associations as part of ongoing work to reform Scotland’s education system.

Ms Gilruth said: "The launch of the centre is a significant step in our education reform journey, to help improve learning and teaching across Scotland and make sure our children and young people achieve the best they possibly can.

"It will work with teachers, to meet their needs and help them deliver truly excellent learning and teaching.

"This is why we worked in partnership with teachers and professional associations to develop the Centre’s objectives, to put Scotland at the forefront of innovative research into teaching practice.

"I am very clear that this centre is an opportunity for our teachers to come together, collaborate and shape the future of Scottish education."

Margery McMahon, Professor of Educational Leadership at the School of Education and Director of the Centre for Teaching Excellence said: "Through the Centre for Teaching Excellence, we are striving to energise the system and support teachers through professional learning approaches and high-quality, research-informed resources and opportunities, to develop further their pedagogical expertise, help to close the attainment gap and improve educational outcomes for all children and young people.

"As hosts, it is our hope that we can further develop our collaboration with teachers and educators, politicians and policy makers to ensure that Scotland's education system is one that can truly lead the future’s local and global challenges.

"We are delighted to be leading this exciting and important innovation that has real potential to transform how we do education in Scotland."

Marsaili Nicleòid, Director of Studies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, said: "Promoting Gaelic education is at the heart of what we do at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and our aim is to support the next generation of Gaelic educators through professional development and learning opportunities.  

"There’s no doubt that the demand for Gaelic teachers is growing across Scotland, so it’s great to see the Centre For Teaching Excellence acknowledge the importance of Gaelic education through its Gaelic Hub. The Hub at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig will provide a dedicated learning space for Gaelic teachers, not only providing professional learning opportunities but also a collaborative research space where teachers can come together to influence the future of Gaelic education."

First published: 3 September 2025

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