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Finalists announced for Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards

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Qualifications Scotland has announced the finalists for its Excellence Awards. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of learners, teachers, lecturers, trainers, schools, colleges and training centres across Scotland and internationally.

Qualifications Scotland has announced the finalists for its Excellence Awards. The awards recognise the outstanding achievements of learners, teachers, lecturers, trainers, schools, colleges and training centres across Scotland and internationally.

Celebrating the positive impact qualifications have on those who undertake them and the centres and individuals who deliver them, the awards highlight those who go out of their way to make learning inclusive, innovative, and impactful.

This year awards will be presented in five categories: Centre of the Year, Champion, Innovation, Inspirational Learner, and Promoting Inclusion.

262 nominations were received for the awards from a diverse range of entries across Scotland and beyond.

Nick Page, Chief Executive of Qualifications Scotland, said: “We are delighted to announce the finalists for our Excellence Awards. The awards reflect the ambition, commitment, creativity and enthusiasm that can be found every day in schools, colleges, training providers and businesses around the country and beyond. Every shortlisted nominee demonstrates how qualifications can change lives for the better, break down barriers, and open doors to new opportunities.”

Qualifications Scotland chair, Shirley Rogers CBE, said: “Our Excellence Awards reflect a shared ambition across Scotland’s education and skills sector to create flexible pathways into further study, employment, and personal development. From a place-based marine science project in the Hebrides to international college partnerships and trauma-informed community learning, the shortlisted entries demonstrate the breadth and quality of learning powered by our qualifications. I wish every finalist the best of luck!”

Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards: 2026 Finalists

Centre of the Year

  • Glasgow Clyde College uses qualifications creatively to establish routes into learning and employment, including its English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Gateway and First Steps to Childcare programmes.

  • Scran Academy, Edinburgh delivers practical learning and relationship-based support to help young people build confidence and access further education or work.

  • For over 25 years TIGERS Group in East Dunbartonshire has delivered work-based qualifications spanning construction, early years, and digital skills across 24 local authority areas.

  • Since 2002, Wuhan University of Technology in China has delivered the Qualifications Scotland Advanced Diploma Programme, training over 7,000 students and enabling their progression into university programmes around the world.

Champion

  • Alan Deans of Glasgow Veterans Group has been recognised for over three decades of developing accredited employability and community programmes for veterans and adult learners.

  • Glasgow Clyde CollegeCurriculum Manager Karen Bale created accessible learning pathways, significantly raising pass rates and retention in National 5 and Higher subjects.

  • Linda Malloch of Scottish Drugs Forum SVQ Centre has transformed assessment practices while providing compassionate support for trainees with lived experience of substance use and trauma.

Innovation

  • Braes High School in Falkirk has developed an Integrated Care Pathway featuring an NHS-standard Simulation Room for practical healthcare skills competency tracking.

  • Hotel School Scotland based at Parkhill Secondary School in Glasgow is a hospitality and employability partnership supporting young people with additional support needs into work.

  • Nautilus Barra at Castlebay School, Na h-Eilean Siar is an interdisciplinary, place-based marine science learning model developed in partnership with university researchers.

Inspirational Learner

  • Iestyn Hughes, Carnoustie High School has achieved top Higher STEM grades ahead of schedule in S4 and S5 while actively mentoring fellow pupils through peer tutorials.

  • Mary Devine, West Lothian College has demonstrated remarkable resilience progressing to HND level while balancing family care responsibilities and international research.

  • Robert Toth, Sanctuary Housing Association, has overcome significant personal challenges to progress into social care management through a commitment to lifelong learning.

Promoting Inclusion

  • Glasgow Clyde College’s 16+ ESOL Programme is Scotland’s first dedicated ESOL provision for unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people, supporting over 160 learners annually.

  • Haus of Seisay in North Ayrshire is an award-winning hairdressing charity delivering trauma-informed SCQF qualifications for care-experienced young people.

  • Bo’ness Academy near Falkirk has developed and delivered a community-led Winter Leavers Programme that helps young people secure positive post-school destinations.

The winners and highly commended runners-up will be presented with their awards at an event at Qualifications Scotland’s offices in Glasgow in November.