Keir Bloomer

Keir Bloomer’s career in education stretches back over 50 years. After teaching history in Glasgow, Keir moved into educational management, initially with the former Strathclyde Regional Council.  He was Director of Education and later Chief Executive of Clackmannanshire Council.  Since 2007, he has been a self-employed education consultant.

In 2021 Keir was asked by the Government of Northern Ireland to lead an independent review of education in the province.  The report was published in 2023 and is now influencing policy there.  Among numerous other consultancy engagements, he was involved in the creation of Newlands Junior College, a school for young people disengaged from learning and have undertaken various pieces of work in southern Africa.

Keir is the Chair of the Commission on School Reform which is part of the think tank, Reform Scotland.  At various times in the last decade, he has been Chair of the Court (Governing body) of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, the Scottish Book Trust, the education committee of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Tapestry Partnership (a professional development organisation for teachers).

Keir’s granddaughter lives with them in term time so that she can attend Edinburgh Steiner School. She is now in Class 12.

ESS offers a humane and holistic educational experience for young people from early years through to the threshold of adulthood.  Its curriculum builds the ability to make sense of complex and multi-disciplinary issues on firm subject foundations.  It has particular strengths in the creative and performing arts.  The ethos of the school is warm and friendly.  It encourages the development of compassionate and well-rounded human beings.

 

Keir hopes his wealth and breadth of educational skills and experience will enrich the Board greatly.

I have extensive experience of the management of education systems, extending from early years to university.  I have operated mainly at the level of chief officer but also have served on boards including as chair.

Leading an education system requires skills in strategic thinking, HR, budgeting, handling complaints, communication and persuasion.  It also involves an understanding how learning takes place, the sign and delivery of the curriculum and how young people develop.  The ability to seek consensus, make compromises but still adhere to principle are essential.  I believe that my career has equipped me with these skills.