Hat-trick of awards for Scotland’s Capital College
Students and staff from Edinburgh College are celebrating after winning a hat-trick of awards at this year’s Herald Higher Education Awards.
Scotland’s capital college was named the winner in three categories – Outstanding contribution from a College Student, Widening Access Award and Partnership Award (in collaboration with City of Glasgow College) – at the sixth annual Herald Higher Education Awards which recognise outstanding institutions that provide Higher Education in Scotland and celebrate key aspects of education excellence across college and universities.
With its trio of wins, the College topped the honours leader board alongside the University of Glasgow which also scooped three awards.
The College’s Student Experience team picked up the Widening Access Award for its work in ensuring care experienced students are given the best possible opportunities to succeed in education. The award recognises how institutions are using innovative methods to widen access to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The team introduced additional support for care experienced students at every stage of their college journey – from application to completion and the College has recently seen an increase in the number of care experienced students undertaking courses and a significant decrease in the percentage of those students withdrawing early.
Social Services student Roseanna Campbell was triumphant in the Outstanding contribution from a College Student category which celebrates a student who has made an outstanding contribution to their college or wider community. Roseanna’s win is a nod to her commitment and dedication to supporting young people across the city who face barriers, particularly those who are care experienced. She volunteers with local charity 6VT and commits her time and energy to giving Scotland’s young people a voice.
In collaboration with City of Glasgow College, the College was named the winner of the Partnership Award for the colleges’ collaborative work in delivering the Fast Track into Financial Services course. Beating off stiff competition, the two colleges were commended for their innovative collaboration on the six-week work-readiness course which is having a transformative impact on the upskilling needs within the financial sector.
Edinburgh College was named a finalist in two other categories. Music and Sound Production Curriculum Leader Laurie Crump was shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution from a Staff Member category for his dedication to providing students with the best possible Music education, giving them a platform to showcase their talents and inspiring them to follow their dreams. And its Partnership Award winning Fast track into Financial Services was also shortlisted in the Outstanding Business Engagement in Colleges category.
Edinburgh College Principal Audrey Cumberford said: “I am beyond proud of our College for winning three Herald HE Awards. Being recognised for our work in supporting young people, widening access to education and meeting the needs of businesses epitomises what we do at Edinburgh College. All of our winners and shortlisted students and staff are an absolute credit to the sector and it was a pleasure to tune in to the virtual ceremony to celebrate the very best of HE.
“Congratulations to all finalists and winners on achieving truly inspirational things during what have been exceptionally difficult times for everyone.”
Full details of all the winners are available on the Herald website.