Edinburgh-based charity Scran Academy has been named a finalist for Centre of the Year at the Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards 2026.
The charity, which provides vocational education for young people, has been recognised just two years after becoming a Qualification Scotland-approved centre.
The nomination marks a significant milestone for Scran Academy, which was founded in response to the number of young people struggling to engage with mainstream education.
Scran Academy works with young people to provide an education that fits their individual needs and aspirations. Through practical and vocational learning, the charity supports young people to gain qualifications, develop skills, confidence and build pathways towards employment and further opportunities.
Becoming a Qualification Scotland-approved centre two years ago was an important step in developing this work and expanding the qualifications Scran Academy can offer.
For young people the impact can be significant. Jacob, Scran graduate, said: “Scran offered me a place where I didn’t just feel like a number and it was a better alternative to sitting in a classroom doing nothing.
“I like Scran because it’s different to school in the way that it teaches us good qualities that the school system doesn’t.
“Qualifications at Scran were so much better in the sense that it was more hands-on and engaging than schoolwork. All the cooking qualifications helped me to get my job in a kitchen. I’m planning on working full time when I leave school and Scran qualifications are the reason I have the job in the first place.”
For Scran Academy, being named a finalist is recognition not only of the organisation’s work, but of the young people at the heart of it.
Will Bain, CEO says “To be shortlisted for Qualifications Scotland Centre of the Year is huge for us. It’s both a recognition of our track record and an acknowledgement that our relationship-based approach works.
“Young people are equal contributors at Scran – they help to decide what and how they learn, and are given a stake in running our catering social enterprise.
“It’s this rights-based, real-life approach that drives our success and has made this shortlisting happen.”
The Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards 2026 recognise achievements across Scotland’s education, training and skills sector, with finalists selected across a range of categories.
For Scran Academy, being shortlisted for Centre of the Year comes just two years after becoming an approved centre and represents an important moment in the charity’s journey.
Scran Academy is now looking forward to celebrating alongside the other finalists at the Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards 2026.
