The ScotlandIS scholarship, launched at the beginning of the year in partnership with The Education Academy Scotland (formerly the Saturday School), has supported 100% of participants to not only pass, but improve their National 5 Maths grade in the final exam.
In an effort to tackle the digital skills gap, the membership and cluster management organisation for Scotland’s digital tech sector funded a programme in which 10 pupils from Glasgow and the West received a comprehensive programme of educational support towards their National 5 Maths exams.
The programme also offered a series of engagements and activities with a group of inspirational
role models from Scotland’s digital sector, including senior leaders in companies, college and university staff, and award-winning experts in the field.
Within months, 100% of the ScotlandIS Scholars reported the programme had made them more interested in a digital/cyber/technologies career, with 75% now planning to work in STEM, and 40% now choosing these specific fields.
Following final exam results in August, ScotlandIS and the Saturday School are delighted to report the following key statistics:
- 100% pass rate of the final exam
- 100% of scholars improved their grade in N5 Maths, with an average upturn of over two grade bands across the full cohort
- 90% of scholars gained A-C grades, versus a national average of 68%
Additionally, 88% of ScotlandIS Scholars say their problem-solving skills are increasing, and 75% of say their knowledge and understanding in maths is increasing.
ScotlandIS Scholars will now be offered fast-track entry to a range of digital courses at Glasgow
Clyde College, City of Glasgow College or West College Scotland. Courses accessible through the scholarship include NCs, NQs and HNDs in a variety of topics ranging from cyber security and software engineering to esports and computer game design.
Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS, said: “I am incredibly pleased with the results our scholars have achieved, the impact of dedicated support and inspiration from industry professionals has been phenomenal.
“The Scholarship was designed to pave the way for young people across all backgrounds and
demographics to enter this area of STEM, to see it as a viable future pathway for them, letting them experience the exciting and rewarding opportunities that working and studying in digital holds for them.”
It should also be noted that over 60% of scholars reside in the lowest SIMD quintile and that this data shows strong positive challenge of the link between attainment and deprivation.
“We are proud to provide an opportunity for all young people that is genuinely addressing and bridging the digital skills gap. I can’t wait to see how our Scholars’ journey’s progress as they continue on to College courses.”
ScotlandIS and The Education Academy Scotland aims to grow this offer for the new academic year in 2024 and into 2025, in order to increase the number of young people receiving the educational support needed for today’s digital careers, and exposure to inspirational role models in the technology sector.