Council elections

Council elections 2026

Over the coming months, we will update this page with information about the election and how you can participate.

Notice of Election

Notice is given that an election of GTC Scotland registered teachers to serve on the fully independent Council is to be held.

Registered teachers are to be elected to fill the following seats on Council for a 4-year term.

• 5 teachers (including headteachers) in primary/nursery schools:
  
  • 4 seats are for a 4-year term and 1 seat is for a 2-year term.
  • 1 seat is reserved for headteachers.
• 3 teachers (including headteachers) in secondary schools:
  
  • All seats are for a 4-year term.
  • 1 seat is reserved for headteachers.

Candidates elected to the Council will take up office on 2 April 2026.

Please note: There are no vacant seats in either the further education or the universities in Scotland providing programmes of Initial Teacher Education election category in this round of elections.

Voting is open

The GTC Scotland Council election for registered teachers to serve on Council is now open. The ballot will close on Friday 6 February at noon.

Those elected will take up office on 2 April 2026

GTC Scotland’s role and composition of Council is set out in law; The Public Services Reform (General Teaching Council for Scotland) Order 2011.

The Electorate Qualifying Date was 28 November 2025 after which no one may be added to the roll of electors.

How to vote

Voting will take place solely online.

Emails with ballot information and instructions were distributed by Tuesday 13 January 2026. Information on candidates can be found on the election website. (Link to site needed.)

Online votes must be received by the Independent Scrutineer by 12 noon on Friday 6 February 2026. The result of the election will be announced on Wednesday 11 February 2026 (or as soon as possible after that date).

If you did not receive a ballot

If you did not receive a ballot by Tuesday 13 January 2026, please check your junk mail folder. Emails will be issued from GTCS@cesvotes.com and the subject line will be 'GTC Scotland Council Election 2026'.

Please contact governance@gtcs.org.uk if you have any queries.