Achievements of Scotland's college sector celebrated at 2025 CDN College Awards
Monday 8 December 2025
Ken Thomson OBE DL, SQA Board member and Chair of the CDN Board (l), presented the Marketing and Communications Award to New College Lanarkshire’s ‘Cumbernauld Kids’ campaign
The College Development Network (CDN) College Awards took place on Thursday 4 December, recognising the talent, skills and achievements of colleges, their staff and their learners.
This year marked the 26th anniversary of the awards, which attracted a record 199 submissions from colleges across Scotland. The shortlist for the 13 award categories reflects the incredible work taking place in the sector, and the enduring impact of colleges on learners and communities.
SQA qualifications form a large part of the provision for education and training in Scotland's colleges, and we work in partnership with colleges to develop and enhance new and existing qualifications. We are proud to support the college sector in meeting the needs of learners across Scotland.
SQA sponsored the Marketing and Communications Award category, an award which recognises outstanding college marketing and/or communications activity. It highlights a campaign which has enhanced the reputation and success of the college.
The winner was New College Lanarkshire’s ‘Cumbernauld Kids’ campaign, which saw the community come together to save the college’s Cumbernauld Campus Nursey from closure.
For the past 100 years, Scotland’s colleges have played an integral role in the delivery of our Higher National (HN) qualifications. From 24 awards available in 1925, there are now over 1,800 Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas on offer, spanning a diverse range of subject areas.
Working in partnership with Scotland’s colleges has been central to the development of HNs which meet the needs of industry and learners alike. As SQA transitions to Qualifications Scotland, we’re committed to building on our partnership with the sector, giving everyone the chance to have their voice heard.
Caroline Hunter, National Manager for Scotland at SQA, said: “It was a privilege to be part of the 2025 CDN College Awards and celebrate the achievements of college learners and recognise the professionalism and dedication of college lecturers and staff – many congratulations to all the finalists.
“Colleges in Scotland play an important part in our lives, ensuring that through innovation and excellence, learners achieve the necessary skills needed to thrive in the workplace. We really value the positive and constructive partnerships we have with the college sector, and this is particularly true this year as we mark the 100th anniversary of Higher National qualifications in Scotland.
“These qualifications have consistently served Scotland well and we look forward to continuing to work with colleges to deliver HNs to learners into the future.”