West College Scotland was delighted to host an Education Scotland funded Cyber Security Business Breakfast on Wednesday 25 March bringing together school computing leads and industry partners to discuss strengthening the cyber talent pathway across the region.
The event welcomed attendees with an introduction to CyberFirst from Scott Hunter, Education Scotland, followed by a keynote session led by Iain Shand, Curriculum and Quality Leader for Computing at West College Scotland and designer of the innovative Cyber Pathways course. Recognised nationally for his leadership in cyber security education and workforce development, Iain showcased new resources to support the delivery of NPA Cyber and outlined the growing impact of the CyberFirst programme across Scottish schools.
A highlight of the morning was the celebration of 24 newly accredited CyberFirst Schools, bringing the Scottish total to 80. Awards presented by Anne Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of West College Scotland, recognised the achievements, commitment, and hard work of school teams across the country. This year’s recipients included 17 Bronze schools, four Silver schools, and Braes High School achieving Gold status.
Paul McLaughlin, Head of Creative, Digital and Business Industries, delivered a presentation on West College Scotland’s Cyber Pathways course, highlighting its crucial role in creating structured and sustainable routes into the cyber security sector. He emphasised how the CyberFirst initiative significantly enhances the profile of cyber education within schools—raising awareness among pupils, parents, and teachers while strengthening engagement with industry needs. Paul noted that, at a time of national skills shortages, the combined impact of Cyber Pathways and CyberFirst is helping to equip young people with the practical and theoretical skills employers are actively seeking.
Pictured: Principal Anne Campbell and Representative from Braes High School
- Braes High School
Congratulations to:
Awarded Gold
- Braes High School
Awarded Silver
- Carluke High School
- Gleniffer High School
- St Thomas Aquinas RC Secondary School
- Uddingston Grammar
Bronze Award
- Bertha Park High School
- Biggar High School
- Boroughmuir High School
- Denny High School
- Duncanrig Secondary
- Hermitage Academy
- Irvine Royal Academy
- Kings Park Secondary
- Kirkintilloch High School
- Largs Academy
- Springburn Academy
- St. Luke's High School
- Stewarton Academy
- Taylor High School
- The James Young High School
- Trinity Academy
- Queen Anne High School
