Gillian was born and brought up in Rotherham, South Yorkshire and in 1967 was one of the first cohort of students to attend the newly formed Thomas Rotherham Sixth Form College.
Gillian has a B.Soc.SC. Degree in Geography and Sociology, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, an Advanced Diploma in Behavioural Studies (including a Certificate in Counselling) and an M.SC. in Psychological Research Methods.
After graduating from Birmingham University, she taught Geography for 13 years. In 1985 Gillian and her husband Alan relocated to Syston and unable to find a job as a Geography teacher she gained further qualifications from Leicester University and The Open University. She taught Psychology and Health and Social Care to Sixth Form students at Wreake Valley College until her retirement in 2008. Her particular expertise was in Environmental and Health Psychology, Statistical Analysis and Study Skills. Gillian was also on the Governing body of Longslade School (now The Cedars Academy) from 2009- 2018.
Gillian and her husband enjoy attending the Lunchtime Concerts at New Walk Museum, cinema and theatre visits and spending time with their adult children who both live in London.
* – Because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Gillian Johnston remained as president to the end of 2020. She handed over the presidency to Dr Bridget Towle at her President’s Address, which took place in January 2021. Dr Towle then remained as president until the end of the 2021 – 2022 season