Qualifications Scotland launch new awards to celebrate learners, teachers, lecturers and trainers

Qualifications Scotland today launches its first Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards, recognising the outstanding achievements of learners, educators, and centres across Scotland, the rest of the UK, and internationally.

The awards will recognise the real impact that qualifications have on people's lives, from learners taking on new challenges and overcoming obstacles, to the teachers, lecturers, trainers, and centres that support them every step of the way. Open to schools, colleges, training providers, workplaces, and communities across Scotland and beyond, the Excellence Awards are an opportunity for outstanding stories to be told and celebrated.

There are five award categories across two areas. Individual awards include Inspirational Learner of the Year, recognising a learner whose qualification journey has made a difference to themselves, others, or their community; and Qualifications Scotland Champion, celebrating a teacher, lecturer, trainer, or support staff member who goes above and beyond for the learners they work with.

Centre awards include Centre of the Year, recognising outstanding commitment to learners and outcomes; Promoting Inclusion, celebrating sustained action to remove barriers and widen access to qualifications; and Innovation, honouring new and effective approaches to delivery or assessment that have made a measurable difference. Each category will have one winner and two highly commended recipients.

Nick Page, Chief Executive of Qualifications Scotland, said: "On my many visits to schools, colleges and training providers across Scotland, I’ve seen learners doing remarkable things - taking on new challenges, changing direction, and building towards futures they have worked hard for. Behind them are the teachers, lecturers, trainers, and centres that make it possible.

“The Qualifications Scotland Excellence Awards are an opportunity to celebrate all of that and showcase the power of qualifications to give every learner the opportunity to fulfil their potential and to deliver for Scotland through being the most productive and skilled workforce in the UK. We want to hear all your stories – nominate today.”

Individuals can enter on their own behalf, nominate someone else, or submit on behalf of a learner or colleague with their permission. Entries can be submitted across more than one category, but the same story cannot be used across more than two.

All entries will be assessed by a panel of judges and shortlisted entrants will be contacted directly ahead of the awards ceremony, which will take place on Thursday 5 November 2026 in Glasgow.

Entries can be submitted below, until Friday 28 August.