The CDN College Awards, proudly delivered by CDN and supported by Title Sponsor SQA, took place on Thursday 4 December 2025 at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow, welcoming over 300 guests – making this our largest Awards yet. The Awards celebrate the talent, skills, and achievements of colleges, their staff, and learners, shining a spotlight on the innovation and excellence happening across Scotland’s college sector.
This year saw a record 199 submissions from colleges across Scotland, reflecting the ambition and creativity within the sector. The interactive Shortlist Summary Booklet highlights inspiring projects and testimonials from all shortlisted entries.
The evening was hosted by Amy Irons and featured guest speaker Ben Macpherson MSP, Minister for Higher and Further Education, who emphasised the crucial role colleges play in shaping Scotland’s future.
Alongside the presentation of 13 prestigious awards, guests were treated to entertainment from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, showcasing the exceptional talent nurtured within Scotland’s colleges.
This year also marked the 26th anniversary of the CDN College Awards, celebrating the enduring impact of Scotland’s colleges on learners and communities alike.
Reflecting on the evening, CDN Chief Executive Marie Hendry said:
“The College Awards are all about celebrating the passion, creativity, and impact of Scotland’s colleges. Seeing so many inspiring projects and achievements recognised tonight is a powerful reminder of the difference colleges make every single day. A huge congratulations to everyone who collected an award this evening!”
Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson MSP said:
“Colleges do remarkable work everyday – helping thousands of people to fulfil their potential, tackling some of the biggest challenges that we face as a society and in the economy, and keeping pace with technological advances and the fast-changing world of work. Our colleges are anchor institutions in our communities and a vital skills pipeline for so many key sectors.
“The variety of categories and nominations for the CDN College Awards demonstrate the incredible breadth of talent and innovation across Scotland’s college sector, and I commend and congratulate everyone involved.”
Caroline Hunter, National Manager for Scotland at SQA, said: “It was a privilege to be part of the 2025 CDN College Awards and celebrate the achievements of college learners and recognise the professionalism and dedication of college lecturers and staff – many congratulations to all the finalists.
“Colleges in Scotland play an important part in our lives, ensuring that through innovation and excellence, learners achieve the necessary skills needed to thrive in the workplace. We really value the positive and constructive partnerships we have with the college sector, and this is particularly true this year as we mark the 100th anniversary of Higher National qualifications in Scotland.
These qualifications have consistently served Scotland well and we look forward to continuing to work with colleges to deliver HNs to learners into the future.”
Congratulations to all the winners. We have loved sharing and showcasing the incredible work taking place across Scotland’s college sector — this is #YourCDN.
