School Candidate of the Year Award

Presented by Robert Quinn, Head of English, Languages and Business Qualifications, SQA and Arslan Nissar, Graduate Apprentice, Applications Solutions, SQA

Declan Shafi, St. Paul's RC Academy, with award
Declan Shafi (centre), St. Paul's RC Academy, Dundee

Declan surpassed all academic expectations by achieving the most qualifications at the highest grade and in the shortest time that St. Paul's RC Academy — a comprehensive school in an area of significant deprivation — has ever seen.

By S5, Declan had attained six National 5s, six Highers and three Advanced Highers — all at grade A, and was on course to achieve another three Advanced Highers in his final year.

Although ability plays its part, Declan's well-balanced approach, strong work ethic, and ability to adapt to adversity were key to his achievements. Declan has secured a place at Cambridge University to study Computing.

 

Ciaran Shearer, St. Modan's High School, with award
Highly Commended, Ciaran Shearer (centre), St. Modan's High School, Stirling

 

Cathal Traquair, St Ambrose High School, with award
Highly Commended, Cathal Traquair, St Ambrose High School, Coatbridge