Edinburgh charity helping young people find their path through food and qualifications

Scran Academy is a youth-led catering social enterprise based in Edinburgh, on a mission to ensure that every young person, regardless of background, can realise their full potential in learning, work and life. Scran Academy exists to give young people in the city’s most challenged communities the opportunity to recognise their own talents and aspirations.

The social enterprise supports young people through its Academy programme — a year-long vocational education alternative for those aged 13–16. Participants attend two full days each week, gaining nationally recognised Qualifications Scotland awards, developing practical skills, and building the confidence to take control of their futures. The qualifications on offer include Work Placement at SCQF Level 5, Enterprise Skills, Cookery Processes and Food Preparation, all at SCQF Level 4.

Many young people arrive at Scran disengaged from learning, with low confidence and a limited sense of what they are capable of. The programme uses food, enterprise and youth work as a vehicle for real, hands-on learning that covers food preparation, kitchen operations, customer service, teamwork, enterprise projects and work placement experiences.

 For Jacob, who completed a course at Scran, the difference from mainstream school was immediately clear: 'Scran offered me a place where I didn't just feel like a number and it was a better alternative to sitting in a classroom doing nothing,' he said. 'I like Scran because it's different to school in the way that it teaches us good qualities that the school system doesn't. Qualifications at Scran were so much better in the sense that it was more hands-on and engaging than schoolwork. All the cooking qualifications helped me to get my job in a kitchen. I'm planning on working full time when I leave school and Scran qualifications are the reason I have the job in the first place.'

Louise Ufer-Nolte, Head of Youth Programmes at Scran Academy, explains the thinking behind the approach: 'Our aim is to provide an engaging and meaningful alternative learning environment where young people can develop practical skills, gain recognised qualifications and build confidence in their abilities. We want young people to experience success, develop positive attitudes towards learning and prepare for their next steps beyond school.'

The Qualifications Scotland portfolio is central to how Scran delivers on that ambition. The vocational and skills-based qualifications provide valuable opportunities for young people whose strengths may not be fully recognised through traditional academic routes. The Work Placement qualification allows young people to develop and evidence employability skills through meaningful workplace experiences. Enterprise Skills supports them to plan, develop and evaluate enterprise activities, while the Cookery Processes and Food Preparation qualifications enable them to build practical food skills within a professional kitchen setting.

Importantly, these qualifications are woven into the programme rather than taught in isolation. 'Young people gather evidence naturally through practical activities, projects, observations, discussions and reflective evaluations,' Louise explains. 'This approach helps learning feel relevant and purposeful, while allowing young people to demonstrate their skills in real-life contexts.'

One of the challenges the team has navigated is ensuring assessment requirements are met without losing the authenticity of the learning experience. Louise notes that some young people and their families are initially less familiar with vocational qualifications than traditional school awards, but that this perception tends to shift quickly. She explains: 'Once they understand how these awards develop skills and support progression pathways, they see the value and relevance of the qualifications.'

The impact has been significant and wide-ranging. Learners have progressed into college courses, employability programmes, apprenticeships and other positive destinations after school. The combination of accredited learning, industry-relevant experience and practical skills provides strong evidence for applications and interviews.

Shona Johnston, Academy Lead at Scran, reflects on what has made this year particularly memorable. 'We have had a fantastic year in the Academy, full of personal and collective growth. Achievements have ranged from improved attendance and consistency to high-quality pitches delivered to senior staff - proof of the pride young people take in their learning and their futures. Confidence, communication and resilience have been standout themes, with young people feeling increasingly equipped to share their thoughts, feelings and ambitions.'

'Teamwork has been at the forefront: young people who previously focused on their own tasks have been supporting peers to complete work, offering positive encouragement and practical help. This shift towards looking out for one another shows the kind of community we're building - one where everyone is valued, and progress is something we do together.'

Louise adds: 'Our young people have accomplished a great deal through our Academy programme. They have achieved industry-relevant qualifications, developed workplace skills, increased their confidence and resilience, and gained valuable insight into the world of work. Many learners who initially struggled to engage with education have successfully completed qualifications and demonstrated skills and behaviours that support their future progression.'

For Scran Academy, qualifications are never just an end in themselves. They are a starting point - a way of helping young people recognise what they are capable of and opening doors to futures they may not have imagined for themselves.