QAA sponsors two Herald awards

QAA Scotland is proud to have sponsored the Partnership Award and the Enhancing Student Learning Award at the Herald Education Awards 2026.

Hosted by Scottish broadcaster Des Clarke, this year's awards ceremony took place on Wednesday 20 May at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in central Glasgow.

Six initiatives had been shortlisted for the Partnership Award: City of Glasgow College for its work in the prevention of gender violence; Dumfries and Galloway College, Ayrshire College and South Lanarkshire College for their 'EcoPreneur' collaboration; Glasgow Clyde College and Celtic Football Club for their Celtic Coaching Pathway; Glasgow Kelvin College on behalf of the Glasgow City Region Colleges for their College Local Innovation Centres; New College Lanarkshire for the Brain Health Scotland Centre for Health and Social Care; and Robert Gordon University for the Denis Law Legacy Partnership.

The winner of the Partnership Award was Glasgow Clyde College.

The field for the Enhancing Student Learning Award was similarly impressive, with six initiatives shortlisted in this category: Dumfries & Galloway College for their work on immersive learning in early years; Glasgow Clyde College for their Harris Tweed Reimagined fashion project; Glasgow Clyde College for their LaunchPad entrepreneurial hub; Heriot-Watt University for the Campbell Maths Gym; the University of Stirling for their international events symposium; and West College Scotland for 'Studio by Moya' photography project.

The winner of the Enhancing Student Learning Award was also Glasgow Clyde College.

The event also honoured Professor Clare Peddie with a lifetime achievement award. Vice Principal Education at the University of St Andrews, Professor Peddie has had a long association with the work of QAA including being a reviewer and chairing QAA's Scottish Higher Education Enhancement Committee.

QAA was represented at the event by Chief Executive Karl Leydecker, Quality Enhancement Manager Megan Brown – who supported the judging process – and Head of Scotland Amy Eberlin, who presented the two awards sponsored by QAA.

"The Herald Education Awards was a fantastic evening, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to spend the evening with colleagues across Scotland, celebrating the impactful contributions of staff and students to our colleges and universities," said Amy. "Congratulations to all nominees and winners – their achievements showcase the kind of quality, innovation and excellence that QAA seeks to support and promote across Scotland’s tertiary sector."

QAA's Director of Regulatory Services Debra Macfarlane added: "It was wonderful to see our dear colleague the inestimable Clare Peddie, so deserving of this honour, being recognised for the immense contribution she has made to our sector, and which she continues to make. Congratulations, Clare – and our heartfelt thanks for everything you do."