A GLASGOW school for young people with complex additional support needs is celebrating after the number of qualifications gained by pupils more than doubled this year.

East Park, in Maryhill, is a grant-aided special school for children and young people from all over Scotland who have complex additional support needs, including autism, ADHD, physical disabilities and sensory impairments.

While it is an independent school, local authorities pay for places for young people who need its services.

East Park SchoolEast Park School (Image: Gordon Terris/Newsquest)

Like other schools, learners at East Park work towards SQA qualifications, with a focus on National 1 and 2 qualifications, which are designed for pupils who require additional support.

This school year, the number of SQA units passed successfully more than doubled from 28 in the 2022-23 school year, to 68 in 2023-24.

Pupils like Thomas, 14, and Domanic, 17, enjoyed considerable success this year, explains Catriona Campbell, head of education at East Park.

Thomas at workThomas at work (Image: East Park School)

Thomas, who has autism and a learning disability, achieved National 1 units in Food Preparation, Life in Another Country and PE and also passed the Number Skills and Personal Development units.

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Catriona Campbell said: “Thomas has just finished S4 and we are so proud of his hard work. These are practical, valuable achievements that will help him to lead a fulfilling, independent life beyond school.

“Thomas has been at East Park for four years and will be staying on for S5 next year and we hope that we will be able to present him for National 2 units next session.”

Thomas on Red Nose DayThomas on Red Nose Day (Image: East Park School)

Domanic completed the Personal Achievement Silver Award, as well as National 1 units in Practical Craft Skills, Number Skills (Handling Money), Personal Development, Number Skills (Shapes), and Science in the Environment.

After a successful S6, Domanic will continue his studies after the summer at Glasgow Clyde College, having secured a space on the National 2 Learning for Independence course.

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Catriona said: “Domanic requires a lot of verbal assurance and a quiet setting to work, so we are all incredibly proud with what he has achieved. I wish him every success in his future.”

Susan Gibb, liaison manager for Glasgow at SQA said: “SQA’s National 1 and 2 qualifications provide great opportunities across a wide range of subjects for learners with additional support needs.

"It’s great to see East Park increasing their use of our qualifications, giving pupils the chance to gain recognition for their hard work and learning.”