Tag: accreditation

Tynecastle High is the first in the city to be named as a gold Reading School

Tynecastle High School has become the first school in Edinburgh to be awarded the Gold Reading School accreditation by Scottish Book Trust, and they were presented with their trophy by author Brian Conaghan.

The successful Reading Schools programme, developed by Scotland’s national charity changing lives with reading and writing, supports schools to build a reading culture, where every pupil is encouraged to feed their imagination through books.

Reading for pleasure is central to supporting wellbeing, improving attainment across the curriculum, and boosting critical thinking, creativity, empathy and resilience.

Tynecastle High School is not only the first school in Edinburgh to be awarded the top Gold level, and it is also the first secondary school in the capital to be named a Reading School.

Celebrated author Brian Conaghan, Reading Schools ambassador for secondary schools, met with the some of the pupils who led the programme and presented the school with their trophy.

Rachel Alexander, English teacher at Tynecastle High School said: ‘We are absolutely thrilled to be awarded a Gold Reading School accreditation by Scottish Book Trust.

“Working towards this has been an absolute labour of love over the last couple of years, with pupils, staff, carers, parents, and partners in the community all working hard to demonstrate our school’s commitment to reading.

“At Tynecastle High School we believe in the power of reading to transform lives. We also know that reading is a great way to relax and a whole lot of fun.

“Some reading-related highlights from the last year or two have been our reading clubs; visits to libraries, publishers and book festivals; producing our own books in partnership with Super Power Agency; and our fantastic partnership with Edinburgh International Book Festival and their Citizen project.

“It is fantastic to be recognised for the colossal effort and drive by the whole school community to put reading at the heart of what we do. This is just the start!’

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: ‘We are thrilled that Tynecastle High School has achieved the honour of not only being the first school in Edinburgh to be accredited with their gold Reading School trophy, but the first secondary Reading School in the city.

‘A Reading Schools accreditation is a fantastic accomplishment for pupils and teachers alike, and achieving this status is a way of demonstrating a school’s commitment to developing vibrant reading cultures and the many benefits this brings.’

Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School earns AACSB International accreditation

Business School recognised by prestigious organisation

Edinburgh Napier University has earned business accreditation from AACSB International, the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools.

The accolade, which recognises ENU’s Business School for excelling in teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning, is held by less than six per cent of global institutions that offer business degrees.

Founded in 1916, AACSB is a global non-profit association that connects learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. To gain accreditation, The Business School successfully completed a rigorous review process conducted by business education peers.

ENU now joins a network of nearly 1,000 accredited institutions, including more than 40 in the UK.

Professor Christine Cross, Dean of The Business School, said: “AACSB international is a globally recognised benchmark for business education excellence and obtaining this accreditation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing high-quality education and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

“Through rigorous evaluation of our academic programmes, faculty qualifications, research initiatives and student outcomes AACSB accreditation reaffirms that Edinburgh Napier University is at the forefront of business education.

“As we celebrate this achievement we also reaffirm our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment that equips our students with the skills and the mindset necessary to address the challenges of the business world with empathy, integrity and resilience.

“Looking ahead Edinburgh Napier University will continue to push boundaries and maintain the highest standards of education, research and community engagement.”

Stephanie M. Bryant, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB, said: “Edinburgh Napier University’s commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of their dedication—not only to their students, alumni network, and greater business community, but to the higher education industry as a whole.

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s business leaders, and the addition of the Edinburgh Napier University to the network of AACSB-accredited business schools will have a lasting positive impact for their institution, both locally and globally.

“We congratulate Edinburgh Napier University and Dean Christine Cross on earning accreditation and applaud the entire team—including the administration, faculty, staff, and students—for their roles in earning this respected honour.”

Edinburgh venue becomes UK’s first Living Pension employer in the hospitality sector

People-focused organisation sets example with new accreditation

A FLAGBEARER for the hospitality industry has become the UK’s first business in hospitality to be recognised as a Living Pension employer.

Surgeons Quarter, owned by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), is leading the way with its implementation of numerous workplace benefits as the country faces a worsening staff mental health crisis.

The venue has been recognised by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF) for ensuring that all 159 members of staff are contributing at least 12% of their salary towards their pension. 7.5% of that comes from the employer – 4.5% more than the required minimum.

As a heavily people-focused organisation, Surgeons Quarter offers industry-leading pay comfortably above the £10.90 per hour LWF Living Wage, as well as a 50% staff discount at all Best Western Hotels, access to an employee assistance programme, Bike2Work scheme, complimentary gym membership and discount cards.

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter, said: “Hospitality is not a sector that is renowned for its pay and conditions and we want to be at the forefront of changing that.

“Vital hardworking staff are rewarded appropriately – but not factoring in a pension is only stacking up problems for the future.

“We are incredibly proud to be the first business in the industry to be accredited as a Living Pension employer, but it’s important we don’t stop here and strive to keep improving our offering to our talented teams.

“This is why we offer numerous opportunities and reward schemes to all of our staff members to not only benefit them at work, but also outside of the office.”

The organisation operates Edinburgh’s largest independent hotel and offers cutting-edge hospitality, operating multiple RCSEd venues in the city’s old town.

After starting at the LWF accredited firm, employees are treated to a familiarisation overnight stay where they can enjoy the venue’s Ten Hill Place luxury hotel facilities with a guest of their choice. 

Living Pension accreditation launched in March 2023 and builds on the work of the real Living Wage by providing stability and security for workers now and in the future.

Director of the Living Wage Foundation, Katherine Chapman said: “We are delighted that Surgeons Quarter are the first hospitality business to sign up to be a Living Pension Employer, providing stability and security for their workers now and in the future.

“Over the last ten years the Living Wage campaign has grown in strength and numbers. Now paid by over 12,500 employers, it delivers essential pay rises to 430,000 workers every year.

“The Living Pension builds on this by encouraging employers to do more to help their workers build a pension pot that meets basic everyday needs in retirement.”  

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus. It includes facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, weddings and its own four-star hotel Ten Hill Place as well as Café 1505 and SQ Travel.

All profits support the charitable aims of the College which are education, assessment and advancement in surgical standards worldwide.