Tag: students

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.”

Verdict on 19 years of SNP power: Edinburgh Union hosts Election Debate

On Monday 19 January, the Edinburgh Union will host a landmark debate on the motion: This House Has No Confidence in the Scottish Government Ahead of the Holyrood Election.

With the Holyrood election fast-approaching, this debate will examine the legacy of nearly two decades of SNP governance and assess the Scottish Government’s record across key policy areas. The event will bring together MSPs and election candidates from across Scotland’s major political parties to debate the motion and put their arguments directly to the audience.

Alongside guest speakers including Paul McLennan MSP, Katherine Sangster, and Alex Cole Hamilton MSP, student speakers from the University of Edinburgh will also take opposing sides in the debate.

The audience, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh’s universities, will have the opportunity to question speakers and ultimately vote on whether they retain confidence in the Scottish Government ahead of the upcoming election.

This debate marks the beginning of the Edinburgh Union’s summer term programme. Following a series of sold-out events last semester, the Union continues its mission to provide a platform for open, rigorous debate on contemporary political and cultural issues in Scotland’s capital.

The forthcoming term card includes debates on whether immigration is the biggest issue facing the UK, and if NATO can solve modern security challenges – as well as a Varsity debate against the Cambridge Union.

Each debate takes place in Rainy Hall, New College, and offers audience members the opportunity to engage directly with speakers from across the political spectrum in a traditional Union-style format.

Finn Tyson, President of the Edinburgh Union, said: “With the Holyrood election approaching, this debate gives students and the wider academic community the chance to assess the record of the Scottish Government and directly question candidates seeking to govern Scotland. 

“The Edinburgh Union exists to foster open, challenging, and respectful debate. Our events are open to all students, and we are proud to bring together voices from across the political spectrum to start this semester with an event centered on democratic engagement and rigorous discussion.”

EIS to launch education resource to challenge misogyny in the classroom

The EIS is developing a new education resource, in partnership with Civic Digits, which aims to provide educators with tools to engage learners in a better understanding of, and how to challenge, misogyny.

The new resource, ‘Many Good Men: Changing the Story about Online Misogyny’, will be the focus of an event at the Scottish Parliament on 20th January 2026.

The resource is based on a participatory theatre project, led by Civic Digits. Between 2023 and 2024, the project culminated in two groups of young participants, co-creating two different plays that explored misogyny, mental health and masculinity. The fictional characters within these stories are explored further within the education resource, which is aimed at  upper Secondary and FE students.

Civic Digits also want to create more theatre projects with groups of young people across Scotland – empowering them to author their own solutions and make performances for their own communities.

Commenting on the new education resource, EIS General Secretary, Andrea Bradley said, “Every young person deserves to be safe, to be themselves and to flourish. Unfortunately, their ability to do so can be negatively impacted by misogyny.

“The influence of online spaces and algorithms is enabling the rapid spread of content that aims to perpetuate rigid gender stereotypes and justify harmful attitudes.”

EIS President Adam Sutcliffe said, “With rising violence and aggressive behaviours towards women workers, and with more and more women and girls feeling unsafe due to sexism, and boys and men under significant pressure to uphold misogynistic attitudes, a shift is urgently needed.

“These topics can be difficult to talk about, and learners can feel vulnerable, embarrassed or even withdrawn if asked to share their own experiences or opinions. Educational approaches that use fictional characters can open up the space for discussion and for exploring difficult topics and ideas, empowering learners to imagine how they might change the story.”

The resource is comprised of an educator pack with guidance, and a learning pack with activities for the classroom. The resource is just one part of the EIS’s wider work to address misogyny and gender-based violence in educational establishments and in society.

The EIS believes it is important that all educators are supported with designated time for professional learning and equipped with the confidence, skills and tools necessary to navigate these topics within their settings.

Edinburgh College students transform fashion for Cancer Research UK

STUDENTS at Edinburgh College have teamed up with Cancer Research UK on a design project to breathe life into second hand clothes.

The HND textiles class transformed donated jackets, coats, trousers and shoes into new outfits. They were given eight weeks to complete the creations that are now on show in the charity’s shop at Raeburn Place, Stockbridge.

Each student was given a brief to come up with an outfit that could form part of an adaptive fashion range that proved stylish, functional and accessible.

Adaptive fashion is clothing designed to be on trend while including features that make dressing easier and more comfortable, including for people with disabilities.

Edinburgh College curriculum team manager, Kim Gunn, said: “We have seen some amazing transformations. “This project showcases exactly what can be done with imagination, creativity and flair.

“I’m proud of the students, of their focus on sustainability and their enthusiasm. It’s been great to collaborate with Cancer Research UK. So many families are touched by cancer so it’s a charity close to all our hearts.”

HND student Calder Ferguson, 35, designed a two-piece skirt and top by combining a dark windbreaker, a pair of blue leggings and a high-vis vest.

His focus was on creating an eye-catching outfit that would make dressing easier for someone with limited mobility. He was inspired by a student he met while on work placement in Brazil.

Calder said: “The client has low finger dexterity so magnet closures and an elasticated waistband were chosen to avoid fiddly fastenings.

“I’ve really enjoyed working on the project and it’s great to see the outfits on show in the shop. I lost my uncle to brain cancer and I know so many families are affected by the disease. It’s good to be able to give something back.”

Freyja Lavender, 19, from Portobello, created a maternity outfit by repurposing a trench coat, a pair of men’s trousers and summer hiking shoes.

Freyja said: “The outfit is designed to make the wearer feel confident, sleek and comfortable all the way through their journey with pregnancy and I hope they’d be able to wear it after the baby was born too.

“Sustainability is important. There are so many clothes already out there in the world. It’s much better for the environment to repurpose clothes rather than buying new clothes all the time. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to protect the environment.”

Mature student Sandra Cameron of Edinburgh made an adaptive garment, specially designed for people with dementia.

The outfit was in memory of her mum, Lily Bathgate who died from dementia in March 2025. It was created using a  handbag, shoes, jacket and trousers.

Sandra said: “Dementia robs people of so much of their personality and dignity. “My mum was a vibrant lady who loved colour.

“The clothing items I was given were dark so the first thing I wanted to do was put colour back in by dyeing them. I used magnetic buttons to make the outfit as accessible as possible.”

In Scotland, around 34,800 people are diagnosed with cancer every year*. 

Cancer Research UK has been at the heart of the progress that has already seen cancer survival in the UK double in the last 50 years.

Money raised in the charity’s shops helps scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease – to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

Cancer Research UK shop manager, Suzy King, said: “We’re excited to showcase these designs in our Stockbridge shop.

“The students have shown creativity turning donated items in to something special.”

Last year Cancer Research UK spent more than £38m in Scotland on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

For more information about Cancer Research UK’s shops, visit:  www.cruk.org/shops or follow @CRUKShops on Instagram.  

NHS 24: Student Health Support

🧠💬 Feeling overwhelmed? Starting college or uni can be both exciting and stressful. Remember you don’t have to face any worries alone – help is available.

Here’s what you need to know:

🏫 On Campus Support – Many unis or colleges offer in-house mental health services. Search the ‘Think Positive Hub’ to see what’s available near you.

🌐 NHS inform – Explore guides and resources:

Mental health guides to help issues such as anxiety, phobias, and sleep problems.

Tips on boosting your mental wellbeing

Info on where to find the right support

Free mental health apps to help with sleep, stress, and anxiety.

📞 Need to talk? Reach out to Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or webchat. Experienced advisors are available to listen and offer information and advice.

Open weekdays 6pm–2am & weekends 6pm Fri–6am Mon

🚨 Urgent help?

Contact your GP to access urgent mental health support. If the GP is closed, NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub is available on 111. Specially trained advisers are ready to help and connect you with the right support.

Need more info? Check out our student health tips at #NHSinform.

Students to Join Politicians and Medical Experts in Sold Out Debate on Assisted Dying

The Edinburgh Union will host its second debate on Monday (6 October), with a panel of politicians and medical experts debating the motion: This House Welcomes the Legalisation of Assisted Dying.

The debate will feature Kenneth Gibson MSP representing the case for assisted dying. He will be opposite Dr Fiona MacCormick, the Scotland Representative for the Association for Palliative Medicine of Great Britain and Ireland (APM) and Dr Gordon Macdonald, CEO of Care Not Killing, representing the case against. 

Two student speakers will also join the debate, taking opposing sides on the motion and bringing the perspectives of Edinburgh’s student body directly into the discussion. 

This second event follows the success of the Edinburgh Union’s first debate on Scottish Independence last month, in which a panel of senior Scottish politicians debated to a full audience. This week’s debate is set to be a similar hit, with all 100 tickets selling out in just 4 hours. 

The debate takes place just months after the Scottish assisted dying bill passed its first vote in Holyrood in May this year.

Founded in 2025, the Edinburgh Union, which is part of the Edinburgh Political Union, is the University of Edinburgh’s newest debating society. It seeks to provide an apolitical platform dedicated to open dialogue.

With political and social conversations growing increasingly polarised, the Union’s mission is to develop  an environment where ideas can be challenged constructively and where participants from all backgrounds feel empowered to engage in discussion.

This semester, the Union will host fortnightly debates in Edinburgh’s iconic Rainy Hall at New College, bringing together speakers from across the political spectrum. Upcoming motions include This House Regrets Brexit and This House Believes Traditional Masculinity is Damaging to Men and Society.

Each debate will offer audience members, comprising students and academics from across Edinburgh with the opportunity to debate and challenge guest speakers from across the political spectrum. 

As stated by Founder Finn Tyson: “The Edinburgh Union seeks to spark open dialogue in the capital city of Scotland.

“We want to give students and staff the chance to engage in-person with big ideas, challenge perspectives, and form their own views through reasoned debate – all in a way that reflects the diversity and voice of Scotland’s student population.

“ One of modern Britain’s most profound ethical, legal and personal questions is the legalisation of assisted dying. Despite fierce opposition Scotland, England and Wales stand on the brink of legalisation. This highly controversial issue is rooted in decades of public discourse, poignant personal stories, and evolving legislative efforts. 

Heriot-Watt to compete in Monaco Energy Boat Challenge for first time

A group of engineering students from Heriot-Watt University are ready to put their studies to the ultimate test when they compete against teams from 21 countries at the prestigious Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in July – the most advanced university competition on water.

Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Challenge brings together more than 1,000 students, engineers, and industry leaders to showcase the very latest sustainable innovations in maritime technology.

Competing teams must design and build boats powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels. The goal is to push the boundaries of sustainable propulsion and contribute to the maritime sector’s transition to a carbon-neutral future.

The Heriot-Watt University Scotland PlusZero team is competing in the Sealab category, with a vessel powered by green hydrogen generated through electrolysis. This innovative approach converts stored energy back into electricity for propulsion, offering a forward-thinking solution for sustainable marine travel.

Central to its success is the use of solid-state hydrogen storage and recharging technology, developed through Heriot-Watt’s Decarlog project. This advanced system offers higher energy density and safety compared to traditional lithium batteries. 

Reflecting on the journey so far, team member Dominic Chapman from the Scottish Borders, who is in his fifth year studying Mechanical and Energy Engineering, highlighted the rigorous, hands-on engineering experience gained at Heriot-Watt, which has been instrumental in preparing for the challenge. 

“Our studies have given us extensive practical exposure,” he said. “The combination of coursework, renewable energy studies, and real-world industry collaboration has allowed us to take on this ambitious project with confidence.”

The project is backed by a host of key industry partners. Forth Ports, the team’s headline sponsor, is providing financial support as well as access to testing facilities at the Port of Leith in Edinburgh along with marine safety and operational expertise and guidance. Meanwhile, PlusZero, a specialist in green hydrogen solutions, has equipped the team with the raceboat as well as technical expertise and cutting-edge metal hydride technology to enhance its performance.

The state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell has been provided by specialists in emission-free technologies, TCP eco (Taylor Construction and Plant), while EPTechnologies have provided the batteries and battery management system, and the Lynch Motor Company has equipped the team with a cutting-edge electric motor and controllers to power and direct the vessel. Helping to fund the project is the Scottish-based cryptocurrency, Scotcoin.

The team has also benefitted from the guidance offered by the national networking organisation, Hydrogen Scotland.

The students have housed their technology within a monohull winged powerboat measuring around four metres in length and capable of carrying two passengers. Named, the Experiment of Leith H2 – in homage to an 18th century five-mast catamaran of the same name – the vessel has a range of 20 nautical miles with zero emissions.

While this marks the first time Heriot-Watt has entered the competition, expectations are high.

“We believe we have a strong chance in the technical presentation category, as our approach to metal hydrides is unique within this competition,” said Dominic.

“We are also optimistic about the manoeuvrability race and the Communication Prize, although we are up against some highly experienced teams.”

Joining Dominic on the Heriot-Watt team are fellow students Kate Sinclair from Sunderland, Logan Taylor from Fife, Andrei Muntean from Romania, and Emilin Isgin, who has both Turkish and Colombian heritage.

Looking beyond the competition, the team intends to continue refining their design, using the boat for further testing and development in the coming years. The knowledge gained from this experience will not only benefit future university teams but also contribute to the broader conversation on sustainable maritime innovation.

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge represents an exciting opportunity for Heriot-Watt to showcase its engineering talent on an international stage. With a focus on sustainability and technological advancement, the team is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of green energy for marine applications.

The Challenge is the latest initiative showcasing the collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and Forth Ports. In a separate venture, the University also serves as a skills partner in the Forth Green Freeport, where Forth Ports plays a central role as a core partner and key site operator.

Stuart Wallace, Chief Executive of Forth Ports, said: “We are continuously exploring how alternative fuels can drive decarbonisation for our ports business and we are keen to support any technological advances in this area.

“We were impressed with the commitment and drive of the team who developed this innovative fuel technology to power the vessel and we wish the team every success at the event in the summer.”

The Heriot-Watt team will travel to the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge to showcase their work between the 2nd and 5th of July at the Yacht Club de Monaco Marina.

Spencer Ashley is Director of Engineering at PlusZero and is looking forward to the Challenge. He said: “PlusZero are excited to enable such a motivated and collaborative team to demonstrate the hydrogen potential of Scotland on the world stage in Monaco alongside the most exciting technology from around the world, Go Team Scotland!”

The Heriot-Watt team is part of the University’s Global Research Institute for Net Zero and Beyond (iNetZ+), a global centre of excellence and Institute for research, innovation and teaching in its field.  The institute collaborates closely with industrial partners, governments, and local communities to address global sustainability challenges. 

Professor Peter Cummings is the academic co-lead of iNetZ+.He said: “We are very excited to be the internal sponsor of the H2-Watt Club’s entry in the 2025 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.

“iNetZ+ is focused on interdisciplinary approaches to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions and beyond. H2-Watt is a great opportunity for students to become involved with the goals of iNetZ+, and we are ready to assist them in any aspect of their entry in the Monaco Challenge.

“We wish them all the very best in their efforts to demonstrate the potential of hydrogen as a maritime fuel. These students are making Heriot-Watt proud.”

For more information on the team’s progress and to follow their journey in Monaco, stay tuned to Heriot-Watt’s official channels.

University of Edinburgh: Money Mangement for Students

Looking to understand how students can make the most of their budget? 💸

From practical tips to advice on accommodation, food, transport and more, we help new students make the most of their money while enjoying everything our extraordinary city has to offer!

Get advice on how students can manage their costs 👇

Undergraduate money management ➡️https://edin.ac/4c1jEW2

Postgraduate money management ➡️https://edin.ac/4kZwOXO

Where Do We Draw The Line? New study reveals shocking lack of awareness around abuse of older people

Punching and threats not seen as abuse to a quarter of respondents

A new study highlights a significant lack of awareness among university students about the abuse experienced by older people, according to recently released findings from lead researcher Dr Jennifer Storey with support from leading abuse prevention charity Hourglass.
 
Researchers Dr Jennifer Storey, Rhianna O’Brien and Dr Silvia Fraga Dominguez have found in their work that 25% of those surveyed (predominantly university students) did not view punching, kicking, threats, or theft towards older people as acts of abuse.
 
Likewise, over 1 in 4 (29% and 28%) respondents did not see taking an older person’s precious items, or spending an older person’s money without consent, both forms of economic abuse, as abusive acts. While 25% did not view sexual advancement without consent towards an older person as abusive.
 
Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to calling time on the abuse, harm and exploitation of older people and the charity is calling for major improvements to the public’s understanding of the abuse of older people.
 
Recently released research from Hourglass suggests that the abuse of older people costs the UK economy over £16 billion every year and if current trends continue, the figure could rise to as much as £25 billion by 2050.
 
Danny Tatlow, Research and Policy Officer from Hourglass, said: “A lack of public understanding of the abuse of older people forms a key barrier to help seeking by older victim-survivors. Inadequate support solutions for older people, and a corresponding perception amongst older people that there is no alternative to abuse, or fear they will not be believed, helps continue violence and abuse.
 
“The abuse of older people continues to remain a taboo policy area, forgotten by politicians and the public. It’s time that we gave older victim-survivors their due and that they receive the same recognition as other demographics”

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The study builds upon the findings from Hourglass’ 2020 ‘Growing Old in the UK’ survey, which identified low public understanding of abusive behaviour towards older adults.

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy of Hourglass, said:
“Whilst, on the face it, the fact that young people having less of an understanding around abuse of older people seems obvious, this is actually a deeply worrying issue. This shows that the very people we are seeking to educate around this growing epidemic of abuse are less aware than ever.
 
“However, younger people are not alone. Data from a 2024 follow up to our “Growing Old in the UK” survey, which we’ll release in full in 2025, indicates that awareness and understanding of abuse remains critically low among all adults, not just university students.
 
“Our report found that 23% of people surveyed across the UK did not view ‘inappropriate or unwanted sexual comments or acts’ as abusive to older people. A quarter of respondents did not find ‘taking items from an older relative’s home without asking’ as abusive either. This is extremely worrying and adds a new level of concern in dealing with the issue.”
 
Lead researcher on the project Dr Jennifer Storey, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of Kent said: “We were taken aback by our findings; everywhere that I have presented them I’ve been met with shock and concern from fellow researchers and practitioners. Knowledge and practice in the area of older adult abuse lags other forms of violence.

“I hope that this study can help to call attention to this issue, the work needed, and the importance of education and safeguarding for the older adults that we care for and will one day become.”
 
“Where Do We Draw the Line? Perceptions of Abuse of Older Adults and Their Association With Ageism”
https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/80/1/gbae190/7906484