Gold award for Linlithgow
Linlithgow Academy has been named as West Lothian's first Gold Ambassador school for their commitment to providing educational and vocational opportunities for every student.
The school received the distinguished accolade from the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), recognising the school's dedication to delivering inclusive, flexible, and forward-thinking educational pathways.
Gold Ambassador status is only given to schools who can demonstrate they recognise wider achievements, enhance senior phase pathways, and promoting equality between vocational and academic qualifications. It reflects a whole-school commitment to embedding the SCQF framework across curriculum design, leadership and community engagement.
Linlithgow Academy's selection among Scotland's Gold-tier SCQF Ambassador Schools places it in esteemed company, with only around 30 schools nationwide achieving the highest level of Gold recognition. As an SCQF Gold-level school, Linlithgow Academy demonstrates an integration of the SCQF in its practices, offering a broad array of senior-phase learning opportunities tailored to student needs and ambitions.
Linlithgow Academy's Depute Headteacher Alison Bulloch said: "We are proud to offer a curriculum that is ambitious, inclusive, and responsive to every learner's journey. Being awarded SCQF Gold Ambassador status truly reflects the passion and dedication of our students, staff, and community."
Key highlights of the SCQF Ambassador Programme at Linlithgow Academy:
• Empowered student leadership: S5 and S6 pupils serve as SCQF Ambassadors, acting as peer mentors, role models and advocates. They lead presentations in Personal and Social Education (PSE), host course-choice evenings, support the induction of new Ambassadors and represent SCQF initiatives at whole-school events. Many earn formal recognition via SCQF Level 6 Leadership Awards.
A SCQF Ambassador student said: "It's really rewarding to be part of something that helps younger pupils see the different pathways available to them. We've learned so much about leadership and teamwork through this role."
• Future Skills development: The school offers an SCQF Level 6 Future Skills bundle, blending leadership, personal development, religious beliefs and values, and optional studies in psychology, sociology, or philosophy. This encourages critical thinking, resilience, employability, moral leadership and community action, preparing students for lifelong success.
• Community and parental involvement: The Academy fosters strong family and community ties through its annual Careers & Senior Phase Engagement Evening, welcoming staff, employers and Ambassadors. Communication is further supported via the school website, app, social media and termly newsletters, ensuring parents are well-informed and engaged.
Linlithgow Academy's Developing the Young Workforce lead Rachel Bryson commented: "This award highlights how SCQF is not just about qualifications, but about building confidence, employability skills, and resilience in our young people. It is fantastic to see students taking ownership of their learning journeys."
West Lothian's Executive councillor for education Andrew McGuire said: "Many congratulations to the staff and students at Linlithgow Academy on becoming the first school in West Lothian to achieve SCQF Gold Ambassador status.
"It's important our students understand the range of different pathways to success that are open to them, to help them make the right decisions for their future."
