Tag: learning

Edinburgh College launches National Centre for Modern Languages and ESOL

Edinburgh College has established a new National Centre for Modern Languages and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), bringing together its expertise in language education to support students, employers and communities across Scotland and beyond.

The Centre will act as a hub for the College’s Modern Languages and ESOL delivery with a focus on developing the language skills Scotland needs for the future.

The College delivers one of the largest and most diverse language portfolios in the UK. Its award-winning online Modern Languages provision spans 95 schools across 20 local authorities, while more than 1,000 students study ESOL at the College each year.

More than 300,000 people in Scotland reported challenges with speaking, reading or writing English in 2022, highlighting the scale of the need for accessible language support.

The launch of the Centre brings together the College’s significant ESOL provision, both college and community-based, recognising the role English language skills play in helping people access employment, progress in their careers and participate fully in society.

Earlier this year, the College published a research report – Addressing Language as a Barrier to Work and Progression – which identified a lack of English language skills as an overlooked contributor to economic inactivity.

It is now building on this work through its employment-focused ESOL for Work provision, helping learners to develop the practical English skills they need for the workplace alongside their wider language development.

Edinburgh College Principal and CEO Audrey Cumberford said: “Language skills are increasingly important to Scotland’s future. They strengthen our workforce, help businesses connect with international markets and enable people from different backgrounds to participate fully in our economy and society.

“Edinburgh College has a strong track record in both Modern Languages and ESOL delivery, and the launch of our National Centre brings that expertise together to create a hub for language education and innovation.

“We want to use our scale, research and partnerships to support language education across Scotland and help ensure learners have the skills they need for further study and employment.”

The Centre’s provision will also support refugees and people seeking sanctuary to access education. The College was awarded College of Sanctuary status in June 2025.

The College also has extensive international experience, having delivered specialist English language teacher training in more than 30 countries over the past decade.

Alongside its work in Scotland, the College will use its international partnerships and experience to support language education globally, building on specialist teacher training.

The new Centre aims to strengthen the role of Modern Languages and ESOL within Scotland’s skills infrastructure and help more people access the opportunities that language learning can provide.

Find out more on the Edinburgh College website.

Maths Week Scotland

ELC ACTIVITY PACK

🧮

This Maths Week Scotland explore our new ELC activity pack to support learning about maths.

This resource provides adult-led experiences that support high-quality interactions and thoughtfully planned spaces.

https://ow.ly/hvZg50ZON3Z

mws-2026-resource-pack-for-early-learning-and-childcareDownload

#MWS26

Young mathematicians invited to celebrate Maths Week Scotland in landmark 10th International Maths Olympiad Challenge

Free-to-enter global competition launches as new PISA results reignite focus on numeracy and attainment

Youngsters aged 4 to 14 are being invited to put their mathematical skills to the test as part of Maths Week Scotland 2026, with entries now open for the 10th International Maths Olympiad Challenge.

Organised by Glasgow-based educational technology provider British Youth International College (BYITC), the free-to-enter challenge will run during Maths Week Scotland from 21 to 27 September, giving young learners from around the world the opportunity to compete alongside their peers in a global celebration of mathematics.

The launch comes as the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results highlight the growing importance of raising attainment and engagement in mathematics. The international study, published this week, showed England improving its position in maths, reading and science, while Scotland and Wales recorded lower rankings, reinforcing calls across the education sector for continued investment and innovation to support numeracy and learning outcomes.

Since its launch, participation in the International Maths Olympiad Challenge has grown significantly, with numbers increasing by approximately 60 per cent since 2015 and thousands of students from more than 50 countries now taking part each year.

Notably, around 90 per cent of Olympiad winners to date have come from the UK, demonstrating the strong mathematical talent being developed across the country while also highlighting the opportunity for young people to benchmark their abilities against peers from around the world.

Dr Rashmi Mantri OBE, Founder and CEO of BYITC Supermaths, said: “Reaching the 10th International Maths Olympiad Challenge is a proud milestone for everyone involved with BYITC.

“The latest PISA results have once again sparked important discussions about educational standards and attainment. Opportunities that encourage children to engage positively with mathematics, build confidence and challenge themselves beyond the classroom have never been more important.

“Through the Olympiad, children can experience the excitement of competing on a global stage while strengthening logical thinking, problem-solving abilities and numeracy skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.”

The competition has been designed to encourage children to challenge themselves, improve their speed and accuracy, and develop a positive relationship with mathematics. Open to all children aged 4 to 14, the Olympiad allows participants to test their abilities against age-appropriate challenges in a supportive and competitive environment.

A key feature of the competition is the technology that enables thousands of participants from different locations to take part in a common challenge. BYITC Supermaths has developed sophisticated digital infrastructure to support the online delivery of the Olympiad, including assessment, results processing and participant management at scale.

Dr Mantri added: “One of the most valuable aspects of the Olympiad is the opportunity for children to measure themselves against international peers.

“While UK participants have historically achieved remarkable success, winning around 90 per cent of awards over the years, the competition also exposes children to a truly global learning environment that broadens horizons and inspires ambition.

“Technology has played a vital role in the growth of the Olympiad over the past decade. It allows us to connect children from different countries, provide a seamless competition experience and celebrate mathematical achievement on a global scale.

“Most importantly, the Olympiad demonstrates that mathematics can be exciting, rewarding and accessible to every child.

“As we celebrate Maths Week Scotland, we are encouraging families, schools and young learners to get involved and experience the challenge for themselves.”

Participants will compete for a range of awards, with trophies and certificates presented to winners across the various categories.

The 10th International Maths Olympiad Challenge is free to enter and open to children aged 4 to 14 worldwide.

For more information and to register, visit: International-Maths-Olympiad – British Youth International College.

Qualifications Scotland: Share Your Views

If you’re the parent or carer of a learner currently in S4-S6, we’d love to hear from you!

Join Your Voice and share your experiences with Qualifications Scotland through quick online surveys or the occasional conversation. There’s no obligation to take part every time, and you can opt out whenever you choose.

Your views help us create fairer assessments for every learner.

👉 Sign up here https://bit.ly/3SqXGWQ

Sign up for Adult Education Courses in North Edinburgh

Please find information below and attached about free courses this term for adults in North Edinburgh:

FIRST STEPS

Following on from the success of last term the First Steps course will now be on a Tuesday morning. Highlights last term included: visits to Edinburgh College, Lauriston Farm; Fresh Start; Granton Community Gardeners; and information sessions at the community centre on:

  • the redevelopment of West Pilton Park from ELGT;
  • the National Museum’s collection;
  • and volunteering. 

Sessions start on Tuesday 8th September, but folk can join throughout the term.

We’ll meet at Royson Wardieburn Community Centre, as well as having sessions out and about. Please see the poster for more information and how to book a space.

ADULT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (AAA)

Five local people completed their AAA at a variety of levels last term. We’re going to stick with a time and venue that worked so it will be Thursday mornings again at Muirhouse Library.

Any adult who would like to gain a qualification by reflecting on current or recent learning or volunteering is eligible (SCQF levels 2-6 available). The course starts Thursday 17th September. Please see the poster for more information and how to book a space.

SOCIAL HISTORY

We have limited places available in the Social History group at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, starting back on Thursday 24th September.

Social History is how your life was growing up. What were the formative things that shaped your life? What was the world of work like in the past? How have we got where we are today?

The group will build on their recent work and publication OUR HEALTH, OUR NHS. The group meets on Thursday mornings – prior booking is essential.

SCOTTISH HISTORY

We have limited places available in this group at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, starting back on Tuesday 13th October. 

An introduction to some of the key events in Scottish History. Visits to the Museum of Scotland to see Scottish History for ourselves. Scottish history is your past seen in the light of today. See you, See me. We are the future of Scottish History. The group meets on Tuesday mornings – prior booking is essential.

If anyone wants to book a space or wants more information, please do get in touch.

Best wishes

Tim Randall

Development Officer (CLD – Adult & Family Learning)

Wider Achievement & Lifelong Learning I Education I Children, Education & Justice Services

Record-breaking results day for Fettes College

Fettes College is celebrating as grades were published nationwide yesterday, with the school’s combined International Baccalaureate (IB) and A Level results breaking previous records.

While predominantly a day marked in the calendar of schools south of the border, the Edinburgh institution is unique in its academic pathway with students opting for either A Levels or IB, the internationally recognised education programme.

In total, 46% of all A Level grades were at A* or A and 80% of entries achieved A* to B grades. There were also 14 students who achieved a clean sweep of A* and A grades and a further six students who achieved 3A*s or more.

Fettes is the only school in Scotland to offer both IB and A Level pathways, and these latest results mark a record-breaking year for combined results: A*/7: 22%; A*-A/ 7-6: 63%; A*-B/ 7-5: 89%.

School leavers are now heading to university places across the UK, including Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, King’s College London, Imperial, LSE, St Andrews and UCL. A number have also secured places internationally, at institutions such as Georgetown University, McGill University, UC Berkeley, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Toronto.

Anushka Chakravarty, Deputy Head (Academic), said: “We are incredibly proud of our A Level students and the brilliant results achieved today. They have demonstrated academic curiosity, determination and high aspirations to achieve fantastic outcomes and secure competitive university places.

“Behind the statistics are also some inspiring personal journeys and individual successes, not to mention the staff who have gone above and beyond, offering around-the-clock support sessions, as well as pastoral support in our boarding Houses. Huge congratulations to everyone involved.”

Richard Girvan, Head of Fettes College, said: “As I begin my time as Head of Fettes, these very strong results are a compelling reflection of the ambition and quality of the community I am privileged to join.

“Our leavers depart not only with impressive academic achievements, but also with the confidence, independence, breadth of experience and friendships developed through an education with a range of opportunities that is distinctive in Scotland and stands in comparison with the very best schools across the UK.

“As Old Fettesians, they will continue to draw on those experiences, relationships and opportunities long after they leave us. I congratulate them warmly and wish them every success for the future.”

56 A Level students at Fettes also completed the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) with 23% of EPQ projects awarded the A* grade, 80% achieving A*/A, building further on last year’s outcomes.

Celebrating the many paths to success on Results Day

Results Day is a major milestone for learners across Scotland, with thousands opening envelopes to find out what they have been awarded in their National Qualifications and Awards.

But on the day itself, and throughout the year, there are other achievements being celebrated too. Apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, college pathways and social enterprises are opening doors to rewarding careers and opportunities, offering routes that stand alongside and sometimes go far beyond a traditional academic path.

Take Ellie Sandison’s path in Shetland. After leaving university when full-time study alongside work didn’t suit her, Ellie found her direction through a front-desk role at Shetland Museum and Archives.

Ellie (PICTURED, top) went on to complete the Museum Galleries Technician Modern Apprenticeship, earning a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Museum and Galleries Practice while working full time, and now works as a Learning & Engagement Assistant at the museum, delivering sessions on Shetland’s heritage to schools and community groups.

“My career path was not exactly straightforward,” she says, “but all the skills I learned along the way brought me to where I am today, and I absolutely love what I do.”

Kai Henderson from Aberdeenshire began his career journey while still at school with a Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills. That first step led him through a Modern Apprenticeship and then a Graduate Apprenticeship, and ultimately into his current role as Head of AI and Data.

“The pathway through apprenticeships is a brilliant route,” Kai says. “Not only have I been able to gain qualifications, knowledge and skills, but I was able to get real and meaningful experience from joining a team in a working environment.”

Younger learners are finding similarly transformative experiences outside of the school classroom. At Scran Academy in Edinburgh, a youth-led catering social enterprise, young people aged 13 to 16 build practical skills and gain Qualifications Scotland qualifications in food preparation, enterprise and work placement, often after disengaging from mainstream school.

For Jacob, the difference was clear from the start: “Scran offered me a place where I didn’t just feel like a number,” he says. “All the cooking qualifications helped me to get my job in a kitchen and are the reason I have the job in the first place.”

At St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in Glasgow, pupils are choosing specialist qualifications even after achieving success through traditional routes. The school’s National Progression Award (NPA) in Cyber Security has proven so popular that some learners return in S6 to study it despite already holding a Higher in Computing Science.

Former pupil Elodie, now studying Computing Science at the University of Glasgow, says the course “got me more interested in the sector,” and has shaped her ambition to work in data privacy and human rights.

The same school’s NPA in Business and Marketing has delivered similarly impressive results, most notably through the entrepreneurship part of the course, where a team of S6 pupils recently won a national competition with a wearable safety device for women.

One of the winning team, Jovita, says the course “gave me huge confidence” as she prepares to begin studying English and Film at Edinburgh Napier University, with ambitions to become a producer.

Not every pathway runs smoothly, but that’s part of the journey too. In Glasgow, Demi Crawford is completing a Painting and Decorating apprenticeship through City Building Training College, having overcome a serious knee injury that required surgery and led to a lot of absence.

With a tailored timetable to help her catch up, she’s now heading into her fourth and final year, preparing to sit the skills test that will qualify her as a tradesperson. “No two days are the same,” she says, “which makes work more enjoyable.”

For 50-year-old Cyprien Bayekelua, also in Glasgow, the pathway into a new career started with English lessons. Having come to Scotland speaking French, Cyprien progressed through Glasgow Clyde College’s Social Services pathway, from a qualification in English for Speakers of Other Languages all the way to a Higher National Certificate in Social Services, overcoming challenges around age and language along the way.

“These challenges were difficult,” he says, “but they also helped me grow stronger and more determined.” He now plans to continue supporting elderly service users.

Nick Page, Chief Executive Officer at Qualifications Scotland said: “Results Day is about celebrating every learner’s achievement, whatever path they’ve taken.

“These stories show the incredible range of routes available, from foundation apprenticeships and work-based learning to vocational qualifications delivered in schools, colleges and community initiatives.

“I’ve seen it first-hand myself when visiting centres across the country, and I’m continually impressed with the hard work of learners everywhere.

“Whether it’s a young person discovering a passion for cyber security, building a new career in social care later in life, or an apprentice overcoming setbacks to qualify, each of these journeys proves that success looks different for everyone.

“I want to congratulate every person who has worked incredibly hard to get to where they are, and for every learner in Scotland to know there is a path that’s right for them.”

Edinburgh learners receive exam results with improvement in almost all key measures

Levels of attainment for learners across the city have improved from last year across almost all key measures

There has been a significant improvement in the number of young people in S5 achieving three or more Higher qualifications at grade C or above and the proportion of S5 students achieving both three or more and five or more awards at SCQF Level 6 across Edinburgh. 

The results also demonstrate improvement in almost all S4, S5 and S6 measures compared to 2019 (pre pandemic) and 2024 and 2025.

Over 11,226 candidates in Edinburgh received their results from the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) today (Tuesday 4 August) across 164 subjects.

A total of 59,459 awards were handed out for subjects including web design, carpentry, accounting, sport science and beauty.

National 5s saw passes (A-C grades) of 80.9%, a 0.9% increase on 2025 figures, and Highers saw passes of 78.5%, an increase of 1.9% on last year.

Education, Children and Families Convener, Councillor James Dalgleish said: It has been amazing to see attainment increase in almost all key measures for Edinburgh students.

“There is a huge range of qualifications and awards achieved by our learners in 165 subjects, representing the hard work, effort and commitment of learners, teachers and school staff. Each and every one of our young people’s journeys and achievements are unique to them and today’s results mark the next step in their journey, whether that’s to college, university, an apprenticeship or into the world of work.

“We want to provide inclusive and relevant curriculum pathways into further or higher education and to the workplace for every single learner in all of our schools.  There is much to celebrate and be proud of in this year’s set of results and my thanks go to all those who have supported our learners to this point including school staff, parents and carers.”

Moustafa Watti (17), a former pupil at Broughton High School achieved three As in Advanced Highers in maths, biology and chemistry today. He is going to study medicine at the University of St Andrews next month.

He said: “I signed up for the results to be sent by text and knew they would be sent from 8am. I received my text results at 8.06am – that felt like a long six minutes!

“I was delighted to get three As, I didn’t think I would even get one A so I was shocked. I only needed two Bs to get into university so I am over the moon with my results and my parents are delighted.”

Bibi Coane (15) is going into S5 at Broughton High School. She got six Nat 5s at A and one Higher A in music today. She is part of the City of Edinburgh Music School, based at Broughton, allowing musically talented pupils to do their music exams early.

Bibi said: “I am really happy with my results, I expected As but there is always a little doubt.

“Next year I am doing Advanced Higher Music a year early as I am part of the music school, as well as four Highers. The music school is amazing, I get one on one lessons and it’s allowed my cello and piano to come on really quickly. I might study music at university, but I also love history and might study that.”

Lennon Watts (16) and Dan McCandless (16) are going into S5 at Broughton High School and are part of the Scottish FA Performance School based at the school. Lennon achieved six Nat 5s at A and B level and is going on to play full time with Celtic under 19s squad. He will come to school one day a week to study two Highers.

Lennon said: “I am really happy with my results, we do one less Nat 5 because we do seven periods of football a week. Next year will be tough to manage the football and my Highers but I want to get them so I can keep my options open. I plan to do another two Highers in S6, again coming in one day a week.

Dan got six Nat 5s at A and is going to play with Hearts under 17 squad next year while also doing school full time.

Dan said: I am happy with my results and I am going to do four Highers next year. It is difficult to juggle school and football, I’ll be at school every day then go straight to training and be there until about 8pm but I want to get my Highers so I have something if football doesn’t work out.

“The football school at Broughton has been great, it’s a lot of extra training, and they are flexible when you have games or extra training with your team.”

It’s Results Day!

Good luck to all students receiving their Qualifications Scotland results today.

Results Day is a chance to celebrate success through more pathways than ever.

Whatever your results, there is no wrong path.

  • Over 148,000 young people will receive results today
  • Certificates will be issued for a wide range of knowledge and skills-based qualifications
  • A free appeals service and a dedicated support hub will be available for learners

Over 148,000 learners across Scotland will receive the results of their Nationals, Highers, Advanced Highers, and Skills for Work Awards on Tuesday 4 August. Learners completing National Progression Awards, National Certificates, and Awards are also certified on Tuesday 4 August and throughout the year.

All learners will receive a copy of their Scottish Qualifications Certificate delivered to their home address by first-class post, while everyone who signed up for and activated a My Qualifications Scotland account will also receive their results by text and/or email the same morning. If learners do not receive their certificate with their post, they can contact their school, college or training provider, who can provide results.

These results will allow young people to take the next step on their learning journey; either continuing at school, moving on to college or university, or entering employment or a workplace-based training programme.

Many of those receiving certification have completed vocational and technical qualifications, and apprenticeships in schools, colleges and other training centres, including Skills for Work Awards, National Progression Awards, and National Certificates, in areas such as Cyber Security, Employability, Hospitality, and Sports Education.

Helpline Ready to Support Thousands of Young Scots on Results Day.

Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic was in Glasgow today meeting SDS Results Helpline careers advisers ahead of exam results day. Pictured with L to R: Lesley Niven, Lisa Dunn and Greig Paterson

A dedicated results helpline will open today (Tuesday, 4 August at 8am) to support around 148,000 Scottish pupils and students as their Qualifications Scotland results certificates are delivered.  

Annette McKenna, Senior Operations Manager at Qualifications Scotland said: “Learners should feel proud knowing their qualifications reflect the effort, knowledge, and skills they’ve worked hard to develop. Colleges, universities, and employers can equally trust in the high standard and integrity that underpins every result.

“If you’re unsure about next steps or just need some support on Results Day, our helplines are there for you. Whatever the outcome, there are plenty of routes forward and many ways to build the future you want.”

From cruise ships to chartered managers

How two Amazon managers earned their degrees on the job

UNP Amazon 47965 EDI4 CMD Accreditation

Pictured left to right are John Aitken and Gary Burnett at Amazon EDI4, Dunfermline.



©UNP Andy Buchanan
www.unp.co.uk 0845 600 7737
pictures@unp.co.uk

When John Aiken and Gary Burnett first crossed paths at Amazon’s Dunfermline fulfilment centre, they had more in common than either might have expected.

Both had arrived at Amazon via unconventional routes. Both had quietly wondered whether they were capable of completing a degree-level qualification while holding down demanding full-time roles. And both, it turned out, were more than capable.

Having recently completed the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) – John through Glasgow Caledonian University and Gary through the University of Exeter – the pair are now among a growing number of Amazon employees demonstrating that higher education doesn’t have to mean stepping away from the workplace to achieve it.

John’s route to Amazon was a significant career change. Before joining the company in August 2021, he had spent years working in entertainment on cruise ships – a world away from the logistics industry. 

“Coming to Amazon was very much a career change,” he says. “Obviously 2020 came around, COVID hit, and it was time to find a new career trajectory.”

The shift proved more natural than it might have seemed on paper. John draws parallels between his former life and his current role – particularly around managing people across diverse cultures and backgrounds, something he encountered daily at sea and now navigates as General Manager’s Assistant in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and stakeholder management space.

When the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship was launched in Scotland, John was part of the very first cohort.

He completed his dissertation in August 2025, choosing to evaluate Amazon’s community and social impact in Scotland – a topic he knew inside out. The paper was subsequently shared internally with Amazon’s Community Impact team for use with their own apprentices.

“What I really liked about it was the broad topics you were studying and being able to put them into practice literally the next day when you’re back on site,” he says. “It catapulted the visibility we have as CMDAs beyond the levels we’re currently sitting at.”

His advice to anyone considering the programme? “Jump in with both feet. It’s not something you just dip your toe into. You don’t know what you can do unless you try.”

Gary’s Amazon story began considerably earlier. He joined the company in 2012 as a temporary agency associate, fresh out of four years in the RAF, simply looking for work.

“When I joined Amazon, that’s exactly what I joined it for,” he admits. “It was supposed to be a stop-gap. I just needed a job.”

Twelve months later he was made permanent. Two years after that, he was a team lead. By 2020, he had stepped up into an area manager role – and for the first time, he started thinking seriously about his career trajectory. The problem was that a degree was a requirement for permanent promotion to level four area manager, and Gary had left school with only standard grades before joining the military. 

Amazon’s solution was to offer him a pathway: first a Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship through the University of Exeter, and then a two-year fast-track CMDA programme at the same institution. The CMI accreditation was woven throughout both courses – a smoother, more integrated experience than John’s, though arriving at the same destination.

“I think 82% of people in management positions across all industries are accidental managers,” Gary says, referencing a CMI statistic that clearly resonated. “That’s exactly what I would have been. Now I’m fully trained and professionally accredited – and that gives me a level of confidence in my role.”

Balancing the programme with a full-time job and two young children at home – aged eight and four – was not without its challenges. But Gary credits a shared workplace mentor, who also happened to be his direct line manager for much of the programme, with helping him stay on track. He also leaned heavily on his cohort, forming a small group who would meet on weekends to work through assignments and support one another.

“Lean on your peers,” he urges. “Whether there was much academic value in those calls or not, pushing each other onward definitely helped. It was a problem we were all sharing together.”

Now 35, Gary is a living example that the CMDA is open to anyone willing to commit. “If I can do it – at my age, with a young family, in a full-time job – I think absolutely anybody could.”

Between them, John and Gary represent something broader than two personal success stories. They are the leading edge of a growing community at Amazon in Scotland – with around 30 others now following in their footsteps across first and third year cohorts – proving that professional development and operational excellence are not mutually exclusive.

Pay at Amazon starts from £13.95 or £14.96 per hour depending on location, equating to between £29,037 and £31,116 annually. Additionally, from day one, all employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, and an employee discount. Together, these benefits are worth more than £700 annually, and employees can take advantage of a company pension plan.

Applications are now open for Amazon’s apprenticeship programme.

For more information, visit: www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk