Generation Science brings exciting hands-on workshops to Edinburgh schools
Edinburgh Science is on the road again, bringing hands-on workshops and events to 18,000 primary school pupils across Scotland, including visits across Edinburgh from now until June via Generation Science.
Although most famous for their annual Science Festival, Edinburgh Science Charity also delivers a fantastic programme of educational events and workshops each year for children and young people, including Generation Science.
This fantastic programme sees science educators tour Scottish schools delivering a range of engaging workshops and shows which are all linked to the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) – helping to inspire a new generation to explore the world of STEM. Running for over 30 years, Generation Science has delivered hands-on learning to over 1 million children!
From February to June, the team will bring science to life across Scotland in a fun and high-energy environment. Using a mix of theatre, live demonstrations, audience participation and hands-on experiments every pupil is involved, including those who don’t typically engage with traditional in-classroom STEM education.
Careers leaders across the UK can now benefit from a new STEM careers guide to help drive passion and interest amongst young people for a future in engineering and technology – predicted to grow faster than any other sector between now and 2030.
‘Advancing STEM careers provision in schools’ has been created to support those responsible for careers programmes in schools inspire students to view engineering and technology as an exciting, meaningful and accessible career option.
The free resource highlights tips with practical strategies grounded in the latest research.
Rebecca Healy, Careers Inspiration Manager, EngineeringUK, said: “The guide acts as the latest digest of current research about what works to increase young people’s awareness and inspiration about STEM careers, saves time and helps career leads bring to life the dynamic world of STEM.
“Engineering and technology careers span every sector, from sport to space. Engineers play a key role in improving sustainability and achieving net zero and they’re in demand at all levels, from apprentices to technicians, graduates to postgraduates.”
Developed in collaboration with EUK Education’s Careers Working Group, the free resource aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks (England) and the Careers Education Standard (Scotland), to ensure that career planning is both effective and comprehensive.
EUK Education Careers Working Group includes careers inspiration experts from a UK secondary school, STEM Learning, UCL Engineering, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Physics, BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology
More young people need to be made aware of opportunities and different entry routes into the sector, which employs around 6.3 million people, as employers are reporting skills shortages and difficulties recruiting. Currently around 16% of the UK engineering and technology workforce is made up of women.
Séan Harris, Deputy Director General and Director of Membership at the Institution of Civil Engineers, commented: “The Institution of Civil Engineers recognises the vital role that career leads and educators play in inspiring young people and showcasing the exciting, diverse opportunities that a career in engineering can offer—particularly in addressing global challenges such as achieving carbon net zero.
“As an active member of the EUK Education’s Careers Working Group, we are proud to support the launch of this new STEM careers guide.
“We hope it provides practical, actionable guidance to help career leads elevate STEM careers both within the school curriculum and as part of a broader careers education programme.”
A recruitment process has begun for a new head teacher at Fettes College in Edinburgh, with the current Head Helen Harrison announcing her retirement from the role next year. The school has commissioned a specialist firm to help identify candidates, with applications due by 15 May.
Named after its founder, Sir William Fettes, the school opened in 1870 and has around 720 students with over 300 staff. It is the only school in Scotland to offer the option of A-Levels or International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form and a top ten IB School in the UK. Although it currently serves young people aged 7 – 18, from next academic year it will also open a Pre-Prep and offer places to children from age five.
The Rt Hon Lady Morag Wise, Chair of the Governors, said: “Helen has selflessly devoted herself to Fettes for over 30 years – 19 in a senior leadership role and latterly seven as Head.
“She has made a significant contribution to the success of this place and her vision for Fettes has steered a path that ensures our students leave Fettes knowing themselves, looking out for others and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world.
“We are now beginning the work of securing a new Head in partnership with Perrett Laver to ensure we have someone worthy of leading this great school. The Governing Body is seeking a visionary educationalist who will bring energy and experience to the role of Head from September 2026.
“This is a rare and career-defining opportunity for an outstanding leader.”
Helen Harrison said: “This place; the students and our staff mean the world to me, and it will always be the honour of my life to have led Fettes College and this community.
“I am immensely proud of our achievements, of seeing my vision for Fettes come to life, ground-breaking facilities under construction; and most importantly our students fulfilling their potential.
“However, by Founder’s Day next year it will be the right time to pass on this privilege to the next Head. Until that time it is business as usual and I will continue to give this job my absolute all.”
13 winners, 11 levels, and one unique online contest for youngsters
The British Youth International College (BYITC) has named thirteen winners of its seventh annual International Maths Olympiad competition, including two children from Edinburgh.
Tejas Mittal, aged 10, who attends Calderwood Primary School in Edinburgh was the joint level 10 winner.
He said: “Maths feels different now. I actually enjoy solving things, and I can see how much I’ve improved since I started Supermaths!
“The games are my favourite way to learn and practice maths. I wish we had this at school too!”
Tejas’ parents Mukesh and Neha Mittal said: “Seeing my child solve math problems with confidence is amazing! BYITC’s structured learning and supportive teachers have really helped in the Olympiad journey.”
Abel Abby, 10,attends St John Vianney RC Primary School in Edinburgh and was the joint level 11 winner.
He said: “What helped me most was learning how to think through a problem. BYITC taught me not to rush, but to solve things the smart way. The teachers are really kind and explain things until I get it!”
Mum Abby Jose said: “I’m so happy with the progress my child has made through the BYITC Olympiad. The questions really helped sharpen their thinking, and the support from teachers has been excellent!”
Of the thousands of students from all over the world who took part in the week-long free-to-enter challenge, which is aimed at students ranging from four to fourteen, the following were successful and received certificates and trophies:
The first-of-its-kind challenge is based on BYITC’s pioneering Abacus Maths programme, with 50 questions in total and results based on accuracy and timely completion. Students used concepts like finger, Abacus, and Mental theory.
The top performers across each of eleven levels of BYITC Supermaths training were awarded certificates and trophies for their impressive arithmetic skills.
BYITC’s Founder, Dr Rashmi Mantri, said: “Congratulations to each of the winners. Every child who took part deserves enormous credit as we can tell they gave it their best shot and worked very hard.
“Young people are naturally competitive and derive lots of fun from playing and experimenting with numbers. Competitions like this prepare them for higher levels of assessments and exams as they go through their educational journey as they worked on time management and enhance their problem-solving skills.
“As we know from research, such high-level game playing significantly boosts logical thinking skills, an excellent preparation from a future which is going to be dominated by AI.
“Since we launched the Challenge, we have had more than 75 winners which is a great achievement. The success of our Olympiads and the sheer scale of entries from across the globe are very satisfying and give us confidence that there is a huge hunger out there for learning more about, and getting lots of fun from playing with, numbers.”
Thousands of children to attend free breakfast clubs today, as UK government delivers its manifesto commitment and promise to working families
School mornings just got easier for families across England as 750 schools open breakfast clubs today, offering 30 minutes of free childcare, a healthy start for kids and a little more breathing room before the school bell rings.
Parents will be supported with additional time at the start of the day to attend appointments, get to work on time and run errands. In total, this means parents will be able to save up to 95 additional hours and £450 per year if their child attends free breakfast clubs every day.
This amount rises to a saving of up to £8,000 every year when combining the free breakfast clubs with further support through the expansion of government-funded childcare and new school uniform cap on branded items.
With the cost of everyday essentials stretching budgets, these clubs will be a lifeline for working families simply trying to get by. When you’re raising a family, every penny counts and that’s why the government is stepping in to ease the pressure and put money back in parents’ pockets.
No matter the postcode or the pay packet, every child deserves the same chance to thrive. That’s the principle behind this rollout — real support for families in every corner of the country, so no one is left behind.
These clubs sit alongside action to tackle the cost of living, with inflation falling for two months in a row, wages growing faster than prices and fuel duty frozen. The Labour government says that, together, they show the Plan for Change is delivering for working families.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “As a parent, I know that the combined pressures of family life and work can often feel impossible to juggle. That is why our manifesto promised to make parents lives easier and put more money in their pockets with free breakfast clubs. Under a year since we came into office, this government is delivering that through our Plan for Change.
“The rollout of free breakfast clubs is a truly game-changing moment for families in this country. They mean parents will no longer be hamstrung by rigid school hours and have the breathing space they need to beat the morning rush, attend work meetings and doctors’ appointments, or run errands. And crucially, it means better life chances for children.
“By making these clubs free and universal, we’re doing something that previous governments have never done. We’re going further and faster to deliver the change working families deserve. That’s the change this government was elected to deliver.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Free breakfast clubs are a central part of our Plan for Change. At a time when there is so much pressure on families, they provide real help with the cost of living and ensure children start the day with a nutritious meal.
“On top of the hectic school run, parents should not have to worry about how to balance work and getting their children fed and ready for school. These clubs will break down barriers and help children settle in, focus and get the most out of their learning.
“We are delivering on our promises and giving every child the best start in life while making sure families get the support they need, wherever they live.”
According to new government data, parents are also motivated to take up free breakfast clubs because of the improvements they can have on their wellbeing.
Many see them as is an opportunity to socialise with other children before school (30%) and spend more time doing the activities they enjoy (28%) – offering a supportive start to the day that leads to better behaviour, and better life chances.
The rollout delivers on the government’s manifesto promise to ensure state schools offer free breakfast clubs to all pupils; while supporting its Plan for Change milestone to ensure tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn.
Victoria Taylor, mum of two children aged 5 and 7, said: “For me, free breakfast clubs provide vital support, meaning I can get into work a little easier and ensure my two kids are settled and ready to learn.
“I’m a primary school teacher, so early mornings are a must however I try to not let my busy schedule dictate the pace of mornings.
“Taking my children to breakfast clubs means I know they are fed, ready to start the day and emotionally regulated – the commitment to rollout nationally will make the world of difference for working families.”
Trade unions argue that the funding allocated to breakfast clubs just isn’t enough, while charities and campaigners say that scrapping the current two child benefit cap would make a far greater difference in tackling poverty for the poorest families.
The Children and Young People’s Commissioner has urged the Scottish Government and authorities to urgently redesign education, so it works for ALL children.
Commissioner Nicola Killean has made recommendations to improve the education system in a new report – warning that too many children are failing to thrive in the current set-up.
The Commissioner and her team have spent over a year listening to children and young people’s current experiences of learning. The recommendations – which come both directly from children, and from the office – build on existing education reform reports and push for much more urgent and substantial change.
Her recommendations in the report, called ‘“This is our lives, it matters a lot”: Putting children’s rights at the heart of education’, include:
fundamental reform of the support and resourcing for children who have additional support needs
a co-ordinated and adequately resourced national online education offer to support children who need and can benefit from that option for many reasons
more equitable access to subject choice, as children can’t always study the things they want to
ensuring the purpose of education is to prioritise the development of a child’s full potential, not be dominated by exam results
accelerate the implementation of the Hayward Review, which will reform assessments and qualifications.
Ms Killean said: “Too many children are being let down by our current system. Every child has a right to an education that develops their personality, talents, and abilities to their full potential.
“We’ve had review after review, and the promise of change, but children in school feel no improvement. The pace of education reform has not only been glacial, but it is fundamentally focussed on the wrong areas. Time is being spent on restructuring adult agencies and not on addressing the needs of children within a system that is clearly failing them.
“Children should be at the heart of shaping change to education, working alongside all those adults tasked with delivering it – government, decision-makers, and practitioners. Within education children are the ultimate stakeholders, and they have been very clear that they want change in education to be a priority for the government.
“Many children need improved support – this includes disabled children, children with neurodivergent conditions, and those living in poverty. We can’t deliver a rights-respecting education when children’s needs are not recognised or met.
“We have people trying to change the system from inside, we have examples of innovation that can make a huge difference to children, and we have vision for real change in the Hayward, Muir and Morgan Reviews commissioned by the Scottish Government.
The Commissioner’s Young Advisors were involved in the research and have made an accompanying film to the report. They visited schools with the Commissioner to work with children and hear their views.
One Young Advisor reflected after visiting schools: “This is our lives. This is what will impact us not only now…this will impact on our futures. It matters a lot to us, and all young people.”
The report shares what children told the Commissioner and makes recommendations under the themes of culture, curriculum, personalisation and support, assessment and qualifications, and purpose.
The Commissioner added: “We’ve made strong recommendations for those responsible for delivering education, including the Scottish Government, education authorities, and HMIE.
“All agencies should place children at the centre of reform – their strengths and insights are much needed. Children must not be excluded from decisions that affect their lives.
“We recognise assessments, exams, and qualifications should be understood as part of the education system; they should not dominate the system. Older children told us they were stressed, had little time to relax and that exams had a lasting effect on their mental health.”
The Commissioner added: “The Scottish Government – and others who have the power to create meaningful change – must deliver an education that has rights at the heart for every child.
Decline in the number of specialist ASN teachers to a record low
More than doubling in the number of pupils with additional support needs since 2014
The Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC), an alliance of leading providers of specialist care and education to vulnerable children and young people, has raised concerns over cuts in specialist support being provided to those with additional support needs (ASN).
The call comes as new figures from the Scottish Government’s annual teacher census indicate that the number of specialist ASN teachers has fallen to a record low of 2,837 in 2024.1
In contrast, the number of those pupils with ASN has soared to a record high, now amounting to 40.5 per cent of the pupil population. 2 This includes those with mental health problems, learning disability, autism and dyslexia.
These numbers have been increasing for years. Indeed, more than doubling(102.4 per cent) over the last decade to 284,448 pupils, a rise from 140,501 in 2014, when those with ASN represented 20.8 per cent of all pupils.
Between 2014 and 2024 the number of ASN teachers (publicly funded primary, secondary, special and centrally employed) has fallen from 3,077 to 2,837, a record low and a decrease of 240 teachers.
In 2014, while each ASN teacher was supporting 40 pupils with ASN, by 2024 this figure had risen to each teacher now supporting 100 such pupils.
Against a background of spending cuts and reduction in specialist support, the SCSC has called for greater resourcing from both the Scottish Government and local authorities to ensure that those with ASN, who are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods, are getting the care and support that they need.
The coalition has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of a presumption of mainstreaming, meaning that all pupils are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply, without the necessary support.
A spokesperson for the SCSC commented: “It is vital that those with ASN get the care and support they need. This is also key if we are to genuinely close the educational attainment gap as we know that those with ASN are disproportionately drawn from poorer neighbourhoods.
“With cuts in support, including in the number of specialist teachers, it is going to be extremely challenging to reduce the current inequalities faced by those with ASN.
“While we also support the presumption of mainstreaming, which means that all children and young people are educated in a mainstream educational environment unless exceptional circumstances apply, it is clearly difficult to see how this is functioning properly given the fall in specialist support and increase in the number of those with ASN.
“The Scottish Government and local authorities need to work together to provide the necessary resourcing to address the needs of those children and young people with ASN, who represent some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. “
Aberdeen charity, TechFest, concluded their Masterclass series this weekend, designed to encourage, inspire and engage young people in the art and practice of mathematics.
The eight-part ‘Maths Masterclass’ series, held at the University of Aberdeen, offered S2 pupils across Scotland a chance to explore mathematics beyond the classroom.
The project, sponsored by Serica Energy, wrapped up with the ‘The Million Dollar Equation’ masterclass presented by Oxford Mathematician and Youtuber Dr Tom Crawford at the University of Aberdeen.
Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “Mathematics is the heart of STEM, and our mission is to show it’s more than numbers, it unlocks ideas, fuels innovation, and solves real-world problems. But it’s not enough for young people to simply hear about what’s possible, we want them to experience it firsthand, ask the questions that matter, and help them become the next generation of STEM leaders.”
Aberdeen charity, TechFest, concluded their Masterclass series this weekend, aimed at encouraging, inspiring, and engaging young people in the art and practice of mathematics.
The eight-part series aimed at 13–14-year-olds, covered a huge range of mathematical areas and topics, including diverse applications such as art, cryptography, programming, modelling and knot theory.
Taking place on Saturday mornings during term time, all classes featured 2.5-hour interactive sessions led by various STEM lecturers and presenters.
Among the speakers were Youtuber Tom Rocks Maths, Professor Mirela Delibegovic and Professor Ben Martin from the University of Aberdeen and Upstream Business Manager at Enquest, Adrian McBurnie.
The topics highlighted how math shapes the real world, from predicting tennis match outcomes and securing online transactions through cryptography, to advancing life sciences, including drug discovery and diabetes research.
The programme was a partnership between TechFest and Serica Energy, a UK-based independent energy specialist, further continuing TechFest’s mission to host fun initiatives that make STEM education more engaging and inclusive to young people throughout the country.
The Maths Masterclass series saw 14 schools from Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire region take part. All students participating in the initiative had the chance to dive into each topic individually or in small groups, with guidance from the speaker and helpers to ensure accessibility for all.
The final masterclass, The Million Dollar Equation, was held at the University of Aberdeen by Oxford Mathematician and Youtuber Dr Tom Crawford which explores seven unsolved maths problems, each worth $1 million, from quantum mechanics to prime number patterns.
Martha Gavan, Deputy Managing Director of TechFest, said: “Our Maths Masterclasses are all about giving students real, personal connections with people who’ve been in their shoes, industry professionals who share their stories, their challenges, and the exciting paths they’ve taken in STEM.
“These sessions aren’t just university visits, they’re a chance to feel at home in an academic setting, to build the confidence to step into new opportunities, and to see that universities and careers in STEM aren’t just for ‘other people’, they’re for them.
“But more than anything, we want them to leave feeling inspired, capable, and excited about what lies ahead.”
The series encouraged students to take the opportunity to speak with a range of STEM figures and role models, learn about their career journey, challenges and find out the wide range of opportunities that are open to them with a career in STEM.
Students were invited to attend all eight masterclasses and provided with the opportunity to earn their CREST Discovery Day Award while completing the series.
Chris Kay, Chair of Serica’s Education outreach committee said: “We’re delighted to work with TechFest on the Maths Masterclasses, to help inspire young minds and prove that STEM learning can be both fun and engaging.
“The masterclasses offered opportunities for both teamwork and individual challenges, and it was great to see pupils growing in confidence as they worked with peers outside their usual friendship circles.
“This experience will not only help them build ambition but also equip them with valuable skills for their future careers.”
Carers in full and part-time education could be entitled to over £4,900 a year in financial support from Social Security Scotland.
It is estimated that there are over 30,000 students at college or university in Scotland providing unpaid care for a family member, friend or neighbour. Research from Carers Trust Scotland shows student carers are four times more likely to drop out of their studies with a key reason being financial struggles.
Together, Carer Support Payment and Carer’s Allowance Supplement could provide over £4,900 a year to unpaid carers.
Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, which was delivered by the UK’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Unlike its predecessor, Carer Support Payment is available to many student carers in full-time education.
Carer’s Allowance Supplement, only available in Scotland, is paid twice a year to people receiving Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance.
Students aged 16, 17 or 18 may be able to get Young Carer Grant if they aren’t eligible for Carer Support Payment.
Speaking to student carers and staff at Edinburgh College yesterday (Wednesday 19 March), Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “We worked with carers and support organisations in designing Carer Support Payment to ensure it worked better for the people who receive it. Extending Carer Support Payment to more carers in education is an example of doing just that.
“I recognise the challenges many students face juggling their studies with caring responsibilities and hope the increased support available provides additional financial security and helps them to complete their course.”
Anna Vogt, Assistant Principal Student Experience at Edinburgh College said: “We are committed to supporting our student carers to be able to come to Edinburgh College and achieve their educational ambitions.
“We do this by individualising support for carers, engaging with carer organisations in our region and by designing systems that acknowledge our students have responsibilities and communities outside of college.
“Colleges change lives and we are pleased that this new benefit will support more carers to think about becoming a student at any institution across Scotland.”
Josh, a student at Edinburgh College, added: “The support from Edinburgh College has made a real difference to me and is very different from the support I received at school. It has been particularly helpful to be linked up with my local carer’s association – I didn’t know about them. Now I know about this new benefit, I’m going to explore a bit more about it.”
The £4,900 a year calculation is based on a carer receiving a full year entitlement for Carer Support Payment (52 weeks) and Carer’s Allowance Supplement (a payment in June and then in December) at the 2025-26 rates coming into effect from 1 April 2025.
Further £10 million for Scottish Funding Council to support the university sector
Additional support is to be made available through the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to support universities facing financial challenges.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said an additional £10 million will be provided to the SFC to support higher education institutions such as the University of Dundee as they navigate current financial challenges.
It brings total additional support for the sector from the Scottish Government to £25 million, on top of the £1.1 billion in the 2025-26 budget for university teaching and research.
The Scottish Government will convene a range of expertise from across the higher education sector, government, and Dundee City Region to support the University of Dundee while it develops its Financial Recovery Plan. This is in addition to work already underway by the SFC, which engages closely with universities on financial sustainability.
The @ScotGov budget 2025-26 provided £4.3 billion for education and skills, including £186.5 million for councils to increase teacher numbers and £28 million for councils for ASN.
Ms Gilruth said: “The Scottish Government is providing an additional £10 million support package to assist universities such as Dundee with navigating immediate financial challenges. This is on top of the £15 million of extra support previously announced for the sector in February.
“Ministers have held further meetings with the University of Dundee, unions and the Scottish Funding Council this week, building on the extensive engagement that has already taken place with the institution since financial issues came to light.
“Both the Higher Education Minister and I have conveyed our deep concern at the level of job losses currently being discussed at the University. While the University is an autonomous institution, it is our clear expectation that the University’s leadership works with us, and engages fully with staff and trade unions, to explore all options to protect jobs.
“Work will continue in the coming days to convene the right range of expertise from across government, the sector, and the wider city region to support the institution as it continues to develop its Financial Recovery Plan.
“Scotland’s universities play a pivotal role in the economy and wider society, and they must be supported to thrive into the future. This support package is another clear sign of the Scottish Government’s commitment to support the sector with financial challenges – challenges which have been compounded by UK Government policies on migration and employer National Insurance contributions.”
Chief Executive of Scottish Funding Council Francesca Osowska said: “We welcome Scottish Ministers’ continued commitment to the tertiary sector and confirmation of this additional funding.
“Recognising the particular challenges facing the University of Dundee, we look forward to engaging with a wide range of partners to secure its continued success as a world-renowned University delivering excellent outcomes for learners and researchers and contributing to economic growth and social wellbeing.”
The additional £10 million capital funding has been identified from within the education portfolio.
