South West Education Improvement Collaborative Receives Digital Transformation Award

The Education teams of the South West Education Improvement Collaborative (SWEIC) recently won the 'Digital Transformation Award' at the Municipal Journal Awards.

This achievement is a result of the collaboration of South, East and North Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway Councils to introduce 'SWConnect', a new method of delivering Advanced Higher and Higher qualifications live to pupils across 40 secondary schools within the region.

In addition to this, the project also gained a 'Highly Commended Award' at the Local Government Chronicle Awards, receiving glowing feedback from judges who said that "this project hugely impressed the panel with an approach which had a direct and measurable impact on students and at no incremental cost."

Prior to the introduction of 'SWConnect', pupils across South-West Scotland faced restricted subject options at Advanced Higher and Higher levels, predominantly due to the rurality of schools. As a result of this project however, choice of options were opened up and pupils are now able to study in class, taught by teachers virtually from across the four local authorities.

South Ayrshire Council's Depute Chief Executive and Director of Education, Lyndsay McRoberts said "The implementation of 'SWConnect' has been extremely beneficial. All pupils should have access to the same opportunities and the rurality of schools across South-West Scotland should not have a detrimental impact on education.

"I'm proud that the strong partnership of SWEIC identified and addressed this issue by introducing a relatively simple, yet highly effective solution. Without the commitment of all those involved, it would be harder for pupils to receive the standard of education they deserve and I'm delighted that this work has been recognised."