Gillian Lovatt-Young was born in Ayr, Scotland and lived there until she graduated from Craigie College, the Education Faculty of the University of Strathclyde. She then taught in a British Army school in Germany for two years until her passion for Japanese art and culture led her to accept a teaching post in Tokyo, where she lived for a year.

Mrs Lovatt-Young then moved to London and taught for ten years, firstly at Garden House School, Chelsea where she became Director of Studies, and subsequently at Streatham and Clapham High School for Girls during which time she was promoted to Acting Head of the Junior Department. She became Head of Fosse Bank School, Hildenborough in September 2005 and achieved her National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) in April 2006.