As the academic year comes to a close, this month’s #YourCDN Update reflects on progress, collaboration and innovation across Scotland’s college sector – showcasing the work supporting staff, students and leaders to thrive in a changing landscape.
A key highlight this month is the publication of the CDN Annual Review 2025/26, capturing a year of activity, impact and development across the sector. Alongside the written report, CDN is also pleased to share a new video review, bringing to life key moments, achievements and stories from across the organisation’s work. Together, they reflect CDN’s continued commitment to strengthening leadership and practice, driving excellence, and supporting enhancement across Scotland’s colleges.
We also celebrate the launch of the Pass the Ball for Scotland national campaign, developed through CDN’s Marketing and Communications Strategic Network. Timed to coincide with Scotland’s return to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years, the campaign highlights ambition, opportunity and pride – connecting football culture with college life and showcasing the shared values of teamwork, aspiration and progress across the sector.
This month also sees a range of opportunities and developments across #YourCDN, including:
- Applications now open for the 2026/27 CDN Leadership Programmes, including the new cohort of Executive Leadership Series for current and aspiring senior leaders
- The return of Elevate LT, developed in partnership with TeachingHOW2s, supporting evidence-informed approaches to enhance learning and teaching across colleges
- Publication of CAIRN Journal Issue 5, hosted by CDN through the Colleges Action Inquiry Research Network, showcasing practitioner-led research and reflective practice
- The continuation of CDN’s Masterclass series, with the Preparing for Parliamentary Committees session delivered in partnership with Colleges Scotland and Pinsent Masons, returning on 7 September to further support senior leaders and board members
Across all of this work, CDN continues to support leadership development, strengthen professional practice and enable collaboration across Scotland’s colleges.
