That the Parliament congratulates Graham Hutton on his retiral in August 2025 after 43 years in education, including his service as General Secretary of School Leaders Scotland (SLS) from 2023 to 2025; recognises his long and distinguished career in school leadership, notably as the Rector of Grove Academy in Dundee from 2011 to 2023 and previously as the Head Teacher of Dumbarton Academy, with earlier leadership roles at Braeview and Breadalbane academies; recognises what it sees as his work to broaden the curriculum, raise attainment and improve positive destinations; further recognises his commitment to inclusion and pupil voice, including his “five-a-day” meetings with pupils and open-door approach; acknowledges the warmth and respect in which he is held by pupils and colleagues, with him affectionately being known as “GHutz", and his constructive engagement with the Parliament, the Scottish Government and national agencies; commends his advocacy on behalf of headteachers and senior leadership teams on issues including workload, recruitment and support for pupils with additional needs; congratulates David Bennett on his appointment as the incoming General Secretary of SLS, assuming office on 1 September 2025; expresses its gratitude for his decades of dedicated service to Scotland’s young people and the teaching profession, and wishes Graham, and his family, a long, healthy and fulfilling retirement.
Supported by:
Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Foysol Choudhury, Annabelle Ewing, Bill Kidd, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Martin Whitfield, Brian Whittle