In remembrance of John Mulgrew

We would like to pay tribute to our Chairman and friend, John Mulgrew OBE, who passed away peacefully on the 2nd of December 2021.

John was highly respected in Education, having started his career as Head Teacher of a Glasgow secondary school and subsequently holding a number of Senior Education directorate roles before being appointed as Director of Education and Social Services in East Ayrshire Council. John became President of the Association of Directors of Education (ADES) in Scotland and participated in many national reviews including Determined to Succeed, Teacher Education in Scotland and Modern Languages Provision in Scottish schools. He chaired the Board of Learning and Teaching Scotland and was a member of the Board of Scottish Opera, Scottish Arts Council, and numerous Scottish Trusts. John was also awarded the OBE for services to education in East Ayrshire.

During his many years of dedicated service as Chairman of SEET, John worked passionately for and with young people across Scotland participating in projects to encourage international education, skills development, and language learning. SEET staff and Trustees are privileged to have had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside John and will always remember his hard work, wit, and charm. John’s popularity and recognition between colleagues and partners of our charity and beyond are testament to his integrity, fine character, and myriad achievements.

John’s passing marks the end of an era, having mentored and supported countless young people across Scotland for the past 60 years. John’s legacy is in the many fond memories we share and in our continued work engaging with Scotland’s young people. Long may this continue and long may he rest in peace.