Two local schools are among a record number across Scotland to be recognised for excellence in Holocaust education.
St Benedict’s High School in Linwood and Isobel Mair School in Newton Mearns, East Renfrewshire, received Vision Schools Scotland awards at a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Thursday 26th February 2026.
Fifteen schools in total were honoured in 2026, the highest number recognised in a single year since the programme began.
Vision Schools Scotland is delivered by the University of the West of Scotland in partnership with the Holocaust Educational Trust. The programme supports teachers to embed high-quality Holocaust education into Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence.
It aims to help young people develop critical thinking skills, empathy and an understanding of prejudice and discrimination, both in the past and today.
New evaluation data from participating schools shows strong support for the programme.
Eighty-seven point five per cent of schools strongly agreed the programme had benefitted their school, with the remaining 12.5 per cent agreeing.
All schools reported changes to teaching practice as a direct result of taking part.
Seventy-five per cent said they had seen shifts in colleagues’ attitudes towards Holocaust education.
Eighty-seven point five per cent said their motivation to teach about the Holocaust had increased, while a further 12.5 per cent strongly agreed.
All teachers surveyed strongly agreed that being part of Vision Schools Scotland had benefitted them personally.
Dr Paula Cowan MBE, Founder and Director of Vision Schools Scotland, said: “Seeing a record number of schools commit to meaningful Holocaust education by joining our programme is truly inspiring. This growth, together with our recent evaluation, reflects the profound impact Vision Schools Scotland has on teachers, students and schools.
“Due to an increase in antisemitism and misinformation, the need for this programme is greater than ever. It is essential that young people learn to identify and challenge antisemitism and understand the consequences of prejudice and intolerance.”
Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, presented awards to the fifteen schools recognised for excellence and innovation in Holocaust education.
He said: “That a record number of schools are being recognised this year demonstrates the strength and growing influence of Vision Schools Scotland across the country.
“Through this initiative, educators are equipping young people with the knowledge and understanding needed to challenge discrimination in all its forms. UWS is proud to lead a programme that is supporting teachers, empowering pupils and contributing to a more informed and compassionate society.”
Two local schools are among a record number across Scotland recognised for excellence in Holocaust education.
St Benedict’s High School in Renfrewshire and Isobel Mair School in East Renfrewshire received Vision Schools Scotland awards last week.
The schools receiving Vision Schools Scotland awards this year are:
- Brannock High School, North Lanarkshire
- Calderwood Lodge Primary School, East Renfrewshire
- St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School, South Lanarkshire
- West Calder High School, West Lothian
- Inveralmond Community High School, West Lothian
- Isobel Mair School, East Renfrewshire
- Northfield Academy, Aberdeenshire
- St Benedict’s High School, Renfrewshire
- St Machar Academy, Aberdeen City
- Westhill Academy, Aberdeenshire
- Wishaw Academy Primary School, North Lanarkshire
- Eastwood High School
- Kirkcaldy High School
- Leith Academy
- Alford Academy
Headline photo: Pupils and staff from St Benedict’s High School collect a Vision Schools Scotland Level 1 award at the Scottish Parliament
Photo Credit: Vision Schools
Headline photo: Pupils and staff from Isobel Mair School in East Renfrewshire receive their award
Photo Credit: Vision Schools