Virtual School, Virtually Anywhere shortlisted for award

The most outstanding individuals and institutions that the further education sector has to offer have been recognised in the shortlist for the 2021 Tes FE Awards.

It's been revealed that West Highland College UHI, North Highland College UHI and Inverness College UHI have been shortlisted for “Virtual School, Virtually Anywhere” in the category – “Outstanding use of technology in delivering remote teaching and learning” award.

Fiona Grant, Director of Academic Affairs at West Highland College UHI, explained:   

“Virtual School, Virtually Anywhere is an innovative and sustainable tri-partnership initiative that delivers high quality remote learning and teaching across UKs largest council area. 

Three colleges from the University of the Highlands and Islands and 29 High Schools serve these remote and rural communities where many schools have less than 200 pupils. Several years ago, Senior Phase pupils had a limited choice of curriculum compared with those elsewhere in Scotland and previously some pupils endured lengthy travel to attend college courses.  Colleges working with the Local Authority developed Virtual School which now delivers over twenty qualifications to pupils based anywhere in the Highlands.

Virtual School provides an accessible and inclusive curriculum designed for remote delivery, which seamlessly continued when the country went into lockdown in March 2020.”

Tes head of FE Julia Belgutay said: “Further education providers have excelled in what has been a truly challenging year, and the amazing individuals, teams and institutions on our Tes FE Awards shortlist showcase that. Our judges were highly impressed with the calibre of entries and I want to congratulate everyone who has made the shortlist – it is a brilliant achievement.” 

After a very successful online awards ceremony last year, we are once again holding this year’s awards ceremony virtually. Winners will be announced on Friday 28 May 2021.  

To see the full list of who is in the running and to reserve your free place, visit: tesfeawards.co.uk

Read more about the Tes FE 2021 shortlist.

For more information, contact cheryl.macrae.whc@uhi.ac.uk or call 07774799556