30-06-2025
Glasgow pupils recognised for achievements beyond grades
The students from across Glasgow have been honoured with the inaugural Ken Muir Award for Exceptional Achievement.
This award celebrates personal growth, resilience, and workplace readiness, highlighting the value of skills that extend beyond exams.
Dominic Rogers, William Brand Armstrong, Adam Marchbank, Greta Fraser, Euan Ward, Mark Vassie, Sarthak Gupta, and MacKenzie Carss were among 86 recipients across Scotland.
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Professor Ken Muir with Dominic Rogers from Bishopbriggs Academy (Image: Supplied) The students are all S5 and S6 pupils from Bishopbriggs Academy, Drumchapel High School, Eastbank Academy, Hillhead High School, Jordanhill School, King's Park Secondary School, and Shawlands Academy.
Eilidh Richmond, a teacher at Shawlands Academy, said: "We're incredibly proud of our pupils for receiving the Ken Muir Award.
"What's been most rewarding isn't just seeing them earn a qualification, but witnessing the confidence, maturity, and resilience they've developed along the way.
"They've learned to communicate more effectively, work collaboratively under pressure, and reflect meaningfully on their own growth.
"These are life skills that will stay with them far beyond school and into the world of work.
"This recognition is truly well deserved."
Professor Ken Muir with MacKenzie Carss from Shawlands Academy (Image: Supplied) The award is named in honour of Professor Ken Muir, a key advisor to the Scottish Government on education reform and a contributor to the 2023 report It's Our Future – Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment.
He has called for reforms to Scotland's education system to better prepare students for the future.
Professor Muir said: "We need a culture shift in Scotland's education system.
"Of course, grades are important – but so is working hard, reflecting on progress, and growing as a person.
"These awards are symbolic of this shift.
"They celebrate personal development, resilience, communication, and teamwork.
"These are all critical attributes that help young people thrive in life and in work."
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All award recipients completed the Powering Futures Challenge Programme, a nationally delivered course equivalent to a Higher qualification focused on preparing senior pupils for the workplace.
More than 1000 pupils across Scotland earned an SCQF Level 6 qualification through the programme.
However, the award winners stood out for their exceptional personal development, including growth in confidence, teamwork, and communication skills.
Now in its fourth year, the Powering Futures Schools Programme challenges pupils to tackle real-life business and industry problems in teams, in order to develop essential meta-skills while building valuable connections with employers.
Jennifer Tempany, co-founder of Powering Futures, said: "These awards highlight the often-overlooked achievements that sit beyond academic results, but which can inspire confidence and purpose in young people as they go into the world of work.
"We are proud to play our part in helping young people see their potential, and congratulate every recipient, including those from Glasgow, for their well-earned achievement."
