Lanarkshire school pupils honoured at inaugural Ken Muir Awards
Five pupils from Lanarkshire have been recognised for their exceptional personal growth, resilience and workplace readiness as recipients of the first-ever Ken Muir Award for Exceptional Achievement – an award which celebrates the skills and attributes that go beyond exam results.
Jenny Renfrew, Dylan McManus, Owen Leitch, Eva McGowan and Kieran Smith, all S5 and S6 pupils from Cathkin High School, Greenfaulds High School, Lanark Grammar, St John Ogilvie High School and Strathaven Academy, were among 86 recipients from across Scotland of the inaugural Ken Muir Award.
All recipients had successfully completed the Powering Futures Challenge Programme - a nationally-delivered course equivalent to a Higher, which supports senior-level pupils in becoming workplace ready.
While over 1000 pupils nationally earned a formal SCQF Level-6 qualification through the process, the Lanarkshire award winners impressed their teachers with their personal development throughout the programme - with winners recognised for growing in confidence, strengthening their teamwork and communication skills, and taking meaningful steps towards their future careers.
Professor Ken Muir - after whom the awards are named - has played a key role in advising the Scottish Government on the future of Scottish education. As a key contributor to the 2023 report It's Our Future - Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment, Professor Muir has called for reforms to Scotland's system of education to better prepare learners for the world of work.
Professor Muir said: 'We need a culture shift in Scotland's education system. Of course, grades are important - but so is working hard, reflecting on progress, and growing as a person. These awards are symbolic of this shift. They celebrate personal development, resilience, communication, and teamwork. These are all critical attributes that help young people thrive in life and in work.'
The Powering Futures Schools Programme, now in its fourth year, sees pupils tackle real-life business and industry challenges in teams, developing vital meta-skills while building links with employers. Jennifer Tempany, co-founder of Powering Futures, said: 'These awards highlight the often-overlooked achievements that sit beyond academic results, but which can inspire confidence and purpose in young people as they go into the world of work. We are proud to play our part in helping young people see their potential, and congratulate every recipient, including those from Lanarkshire, for their well-earned achievement.'
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