A POLLOK school has become the first in Glasgow and only the sixth in Scotland to achieve a prestigious national award.

St Paul’s RC High School has gained Gold SCQF School Ambassador status for its work helping create opportunities for all pupils by offering a wide range of courses and qualifications.

Originally piloted in 2015, the SCQF School Ambassador programme offers three levels – bronze, silver and gold - with schools required to upload evidence demonstrating how they are meeting the criteria.

A gold level award means the school has established relationships with local training providers and employers, is actively promoting the SCQF to parents and the entire school community and is offering an extensive range of learning programmes at SCQF levels five and six, including National Progression Awards (NPAs), Youth Achievement Awards and the Young STEM Leader Award.

St Paul’s runs an impressive number of Advanced Highers at SCQF level seven and offers the Expressive Arts Baccalaureate and the Professional Development Award in SFA Refereeing.

SCQF partnership development officer, Donnie Wood, who manages the programme, said: “We are delighted to welcome St Paul's HS into the SCQF Gold club. This has been one of the most inspiring applications to date and it’s clear that staff and pupils go above and beyond to provide pathways and opportunities for every young person.

“The school has created a culture where all qualifications are valued and understood by pupils and parents and it’s down to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.”

He added: “The school has reached out and engaged a huge range of partners as well as supporting neighbouring schools, bringing together staff and pupils to share ideas.”

St Paul’s headteacher Lisa Pierotti said: “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have been awarded gold status in the prestigious SCQF School Ambassador Recognition programme. I know how much hard work has gone into creating excellent pathways for our young people and in celebrating wider achievement across our school.”

Councillor Christina Cannon, education convener at Glasgow City Council, said: “This is a brilliant achievement for everyone at the school and highlights the commitment of Glasgow’s teachers and young people to make sure that opportunities are available to all. What a lovely honour for the city too.”