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4 November 2025 Blogs

100 Years of Higher National qualifications in Scotland

The CDN College Awards 2025 are proudly supported by Title Sponsor SQA. As Scotland marks 100 years of Higher National qualifications, SQA reflects on a century of innovation, collaboration and impact. In 1925, 24 awards were made available under Scotland’s new National Certificate scheme, laying the foundation for something far more enduring than anyone could […]
4 November 2025 News

STEP launches new projects for 2025

Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP) has launched a set of new collaborative projects for 2025, bringing together colleges, universities, student associations and sector bodies to tackle shared challenges and enhance learner experiences across the tertiary sector. STEP is Scotland’s national enhancement programme and forms part of the Tertiary Quality Enhancement Framework (TQEF). Delivered by CDN […]
22 October 2025 News

STEP Call for Proposals for Funded Project

QAA Scotland and CDN have opened a call for proposals from staff and students across Scotland’s colleges and universities for a funded project on ‘Delivering Tailored, Targeted and Personalised Support’. Up to £10,000 of funding is available to support the development and delivery of the project, which will contribute to Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP). […]
15 October 2025 Blogs

The Backbone of CDN: Supporting Every College, Every Step of the Way

At CDN, we celebrate innovation, learning, and collaboration – and at the heart of it all is our Finance and Corporate Services team, making everything possible. Often called the backbone of the organisation, they provide the structure, support, and expertise that allows the rest of CDN – and Scotland’s college sector – to truly thrive. […]
8 October 2025 News

#YourCDN is Here – Explore Our New Website

Explore Our New Website. Sharpen Your Skills, Spark Insights, Stay Ahead – that’s the promise of #YourCDN, our refreshed hub supporting every college, every staff member, every step of the way.
1 October 2025 News

New Online Course Launches: Understanding Colleges Today

Starting a new role in the college sector – or refreshing your knowledge – can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re excited to launch Understanding Colleges Today, a free online course on CDN LearnOnline. The course has been designed to provide a clear and engaging introduction to Scotland’s colleges. Blending interactive activities, videos and reflective exercises, it […]
1 October 2025 News

Emma MacIsaac Appointed as College Student Topic Lead for STEP

CDN and QAA are thrilled to announce that Emma MacIsaac, President of North East Scotland College Students’ Association, has been appointed as the new College Student Topic Lead for STEP (Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme).
30 September 2025 Blogs

Your September CDN Update: Spotlight on Strategy, Learning and Sector Success

The September edition of the CDN Update is here, bringing you sector highlights, new resources, and opportunities to connect, learn and grow as the academic year gets underway. In this issue, you’ll discover: There’s so much to explore in this month’s Update – whether you’re interested in leadership development, celebrating sector success, or accessing new […]
22 September 2025 Blogs

Looking Ahead Together: Our Priorities for 2025-26

In this blog, Victoria Underwood, CDN’s Director of Operations and Strategic Planning, reflects on the start of the 2025–26 academic year and how the sector is navigating ongoing challenges. She highlights how CDN is supporting colleges with practical tools, collaborative programmes, and tailored guidance to enhance learning, teaching, and student experience across Scotland. Here at CDN, […]
17 September 2025 News

CDN Launches New Tertiary Self-Evaluation Toolkit to Drive Quality Across Scotland’s Tertiary Sector

CDN is proud to announce the launch of the Tertiary Self-Evaluation Toolkit (TSET)
4 September 2025 Blogs

Celebrating Excellence: Announcing the CDN College Awards 2025 Shortlist and SQA Partnership

We are delighted to unveil the shortlist for the CDN College Awards 2025, set to be our greatest and most exciting celebration yet! With…
3 September 2025 News

CDN College Awards 2025: Record-Breaking Shortlist Announced!

CDN is thrilled to reveal the shortlist for the CDN College Awards 2025! Proudly supported by title sponsor SQA, the Awards celebrate the innovation,…
29 August 2025 News

Your August CDN Update: Opportunities, Inspiration and Celebration Across Scotland’s College Sector

The August edition of the CDN Update is here, packed with fresh opportunities, sector highlights, and resources to support colleagues across Scotland’s colleges as…
27 August 2025 News

Lead with Confidence: Applications Open for CDN’s Executive Leadership Series

CDN is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for its brand-new Executive Leadership Series, part of CDN’s outstanding Leadership and Management Programmes.…
26 August 2025 News

CDN Launches National Pilot Programme to Elevate Learning and Teaching in Scotland’s Colleges

CDN is excited to announce the launch of Elevate LT, a funded professional learning programme developed in partnership with TeachingHOW2s. Designed to support and…
25 July 2025 News

CAIRN Journal – Issue 3 Out Now!

Read Issue 3 Here We’re delighted to share that Issue 3 of the Colleges Action Inquiry Research Network (CAIRN) Journal is now available to…
18 July 2025 News

STEP Forward: Scotland’s Colleges and Universities Collaborate to Enhance Tertiary Education

Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP) has wrapped up its first year — and it’s already making an impact. Designed to bring colleges and universities…
15 July 2025 News

Call for New Student STEP Topic Lead to Drive Sector-Wide Enhancement

Scotland’s Tertiary Enhancement Programme (STEP) is the national enhancement programme for Scotland’s colleges and universities. STEP is a sector-owned programme of activity that supports…