How a Glasgow school is shaping the next generation of cyber security professionals

St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in Glasgow is preparing the next generation of cyber security professionals through a qualification that goes far beyond the classroom. The Qualifications Scotland NPA (National Progression Award) at SCQF level 6 in Cyber Security is proving to be extremely popular with its pupils.

Depute Head Orla Ritchie explains, 'The qualification provides learners with the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and practical skills in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy. We wanted to expose learners to real-world cyber security concepts, including digital security, ethical issues, risk management, networking and cyber resilience, while developing the problem-solving, analytical and technical skills that employers and further education providers value highly.'

The programme has been fully embedded within the senior phase curriculum, complementing existing computing science qualifications by allowing learners to focus specifically on cyber security, an area not explored in the same depth through traditional exam-based courses.

Orla explains, 'The NPA in Cyber Security demonstrates our commitment to offering a broad range of qualifications that meet the diverse interests and aspirations of our learners. While traditional National Qualifications remain an important part of our curriculum, we recognise that learners benefit from opportunities to gain specialist knowledge and industry-relevant skills through vocational qualifications.'

The award has been extremely successful in engaging learners with a strong interest in technology and digital careers. They have developed a deep understanding of cyber security principles and demonstrated their skills through practical tasks and project-based learning, with many going on to secure positive destinations including apprenticeships and further study, while others have used the qualification to strengthen applications for university and college courses in computing, cyber security and related disciplines.

Former pupil, Elodie, now studying Computing Science at the University of Glasgow, reflects on what the course meant to her: 'I chose to take Cyber Security because I am passionate about online safety and wanted to take my knowledge a step further. The course gave a good overview of cyber security as a whole and got me more interested in the sector. My favourite part was learning about real case studies concerning data breaches and hacking attempts - it showed me how necessary an understanding of cyber security is for companies of all sizes. In the future I plan to research more about cyber security, particularly how it relates to data privacy and human rights, and hopefully find a job in this field.'

Completing the NPA has also given learners experiences beyond the classroom. Last year, the class attended the University of Strathclyde to take part in the CyberFirst Advanced course. Orla describes the experience as transformative:

The course provided our learners with valuable exposure to university-level learning and allowed them to further develop their cyber security knowledge through practical, hands-on activities. The experience helped learners build confidence, deepen their understanding of real-world cyber security challenges, and gain insight into progression pathways within higher education and the wider digital sector. Attending the course reinforced the relevance of the NPA and inspired learners to consider future study and careers in cyber security and related technology fields.

The main benefit of the qualification, Orla emphasises, has been the opportunity for learners to gain specialist skills directly relevant to current industry needs, such as developing practical technical, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication and project management.

She says, 'The qualification has provided our learners with a clear pathway into further learning and employment. We have seen several learners successfully secure Modern Apprenticeships and other apprenticeship opportunities within the digital and technology sectors, with employers recognising the value of the cyber security knowledge and practical experience they have gained through the course.'

The qualification has also supported progression into college and university programmes in Computing Science, Cyber Security, Software Development and related disciplines.

One of the most significant impacts of the NPA has been the way it has helped challenge traditional views of progression and achievement. Orla says, "As a department, we actively promote the value of all qualifications and encourage learners to select them based on their interests, career aspirations and skills development rather than simply following a linear exam-based route."

This has led to several learners who successfully achieved Higher Computing Science in S5, choosing to return in S6 to study the NPA in Cyber Security, despite it being the same level. Orla explains, 'While they already hold a Higher qualification, they recognise the value of specialising in a rapidly growing field that offers clear progression routes into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.'

Orla sees this as reflecting a meaningful shift in learner thinking. 'Rather than viewing success solely as progressing to the next traditional qualification level, learners increasingly value opportunities to develop specialist expertise, gain practical experience and strengthen their employability. The popularity of the NPA among learners who have already achieved success in Higher Computing Science demonstrates the importance of recognising and celebrating the breadth of opportunities available through the SCQF framework.'