Donna Stewart, Scotland's Chief Examining Officer, SQA

As Scotland's Chief Examining Officer, I am delighted to share that 2025 has been a truly landmark year for learners undertaking a variety of vocational and technical qualifications, enabling them to achieve valuable skills to build rewarding careers. 

For the first time, we have awarded more than 100,000 vocational and technical qualifications, 110,390, to be precise. That’s a remarkable 22.6% increase on the number awarded in 2024. That increase reflects the extraordinary dedication of our education and skills community across Scotland.

The collective efforts of staff at colleges, schools, employers and training providers have created pathways for learners to thrive across an incredibly diverse range of disciplines, from Cybersecurity and Computer Games Development to Mental Health and Wellbeing, Sports Development, and Personal Finance.

What makes this milestone particularly significant is how it demonstrates the power of the broadening of the curriculum. Through our 'Your Voice' national engagement programme, we've had the privilege of visiting schools and colleges across Scotland, listening to educators and learners alike. The consistent theme has been clear: colleges are working tirelessly to unlock every learner's potential, and these results prove that hard work is being rewarded.

The diversity of achievements is equally impressive. We've seen increasing engagement at SCQF levels 4, 5 and 6 in Awards, National Certificates, National Progression Awards and Skills for Work courses, across vital sectors including Engineering Systems, Climate Change and Sustainability, Hospitality, Leadership, and Modern Languages for Life and Work. Additionally, 1,813 Foundation Apprenticeships have been completed in the past year, connecting learners directly with employers, whilst our Next Generation Higher National Qualifications (Next Gen HN) continue to evolve, with 1,069 awards achieved this year.

These qualifications represent far more than certificates – they are stepping stones to futures in college, university, apprenticeships, and employment. They embody the skills-based learning that our modern economy demands and demonstrate how our sector continues to adapt and innovate.

I congratulate every learner who has achieved a SQA qualification this year, but equally, I want to recognise the exceptional work of Scotland's college community. You have made this historic achievement possible, and together, we are building pathways that truly unlock potential for every learner in Scotland.