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Hi everyone,
As we reach the end of another busy and successful academic year, I want to highlight some of the exciting news and opportunities in this month's Update and reflect on the impact delivered by CDN for and with the college sector over the past year.
At the heart of this edition is our CDN Annual Review 2025/26 (report and video), showcasing the progress and achievements delivered through collaboration with colleges and partners across Scotland. It highlights the collective difference being made in supporting learning, enhancement, leadership and improvement.
We’ve also launched Pass the Ball for Scotland, developed with all 24 colleges through the CDN Marketing and Communications Strategic Network. Marking Scotland’s return to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years, the campaign celebrates ambition, opportunity and national pride, and features inspiring alumni including Tom Kitchin, Darren Dods, Jennifer Dodds and Siobhan Mackenzie.
This month also saw the closure of entries for the CDN College Awards, with an incredible 195 submissions received. The Awards continue to showcase outstanding talent and innovation across Scotland’s colleges. Look out for the shortlist announcement in September and get the date in your diaries for the Awards evening on 3 December at the Radisson Blu, Glasgow.
We also bring together updates on the 2026/27 Leadership Programmes, including the new Executive Leadership Series cohort, the return of Elevate LT and the Preparing for Parliamentary Committees Masterclass, alongside the launch of CAIRN Journal Issue 5.
There is a lot happening at CDN, and I encourage you to explore what’s new and make the most of what #YourCDN has to offer.
Over the summer, we’re finalising our Strategic Plan 2026–30, with thanks to everyone who has contributed so far. We look forward to sharing the final strategy in August.
Wishing you a restful and enjoyable summer break.
Warm regards,
Marie Hendry
Chief Executive, CDN
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CDN Annual Review 2025/26 Published
As the academic year draws to a close, CDN is delighted to publish the CDN Annual Review 2025/26, showcasing the impact and progress made in supporting Scotland’s colleges, staff, and students.
This year, alongside the annual report, CDN is also pleased to share a video review, bringing the year’s achievements to life and highlighting key moments from across our work.
Together, the report and video reflect CDN’s continued
commitment to driving excellence, strengthening leadership and practice, and supporting enhancement across the college sector.
This is #YourCDN — supporting every college, every staff member, every step of the way.
View the video here
View the report here
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Pass the Ball for Scotland
New Nationwide Campaign
As Scotland returned to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years, colleges across the country launched a new national campaign developed through CDN’s Marketing and Communications Strategic Network. Pass the Ball for Scotland celebrates ambition, opportunity and national pride, highlighting the strong connection between football culture and college life.
Across Scotland’s colleges, staff and students continue to support people to build skills, grow in confidence and take their next steps into employment, further study or new opportunities. The campaign brings these stories together, showcasing shared values of teamwork, aspiration and progress.
View the campaign here.
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Apply for #YourCDN Leadership Programmes
Applications are now open for the 2026/27 CDN Leadership Programmes, designed to strengthen leadership capability across colleges, universities, and the wider education sector.
We are especially pleased to launch the new cohort of the Executive Leadership Series - a high-impact development experience for current and aspiring senior leaders. Designed for those operating at or moving towards executive level, the series supports leaders to strengthen strategic leadership, improve decision-making, and lead with confidence in a complex and fast-changing environment.
Alongside this, CDN offers a progressive leadership pathway:
Discover more here
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Elevate LT: Enhancing learning and teaching practice
Elevate LT is returning for a second year, continuing to enhance learning and teaching practice across Scotland's colleges.
Developed in partnership with TeachingHOW2s, the programme provides staff with practical, evidence-based approaches to strengthen practice and improve learner outcomes.
Building on a successful pilot year, Elevate LT will run throughout 2026–27, with colleges allocated free places to participate. Through a blended model of on-demand learning, collaborative sessions and networking opportunities, practitioners will be supported to develop skills, apply evidence-informed approaches and share effective practice.
The programme continues to foster collaboration across the sector, supporting positive learning environments and continuous improvement in learning and teaching across Scotland’s colleges.
Discover more and apply here.
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CAIRN Journal Issue 5: Out Now
Issue 5 of the Colleges Action Inquiry Research Network (CAIRN) Journal is now published.
Hosted by CDN, the journal provides a key platform for practitioner-led scholarship across Scotland’s college sector, supporting the sharing of research and reflective practice.
This issue features contributions from college-based researchers across the sector, showcasing innovative approaches to teaching, learning and assessment. The collection includes research articles, reflective pieces and short narratives, highlighting how staff are using inquiry-led approaches to develop and evidence practice in context.
The journal continues to support professional dialogue, collaboration and the ongoing development of evidence-informed practice across Scotland’s colleges.
View Issue 5 here
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Preparing for Parliamentary Committees Masterclass Returns
Earlier this month, CDN, in partnership with Colleges Scotland and Pinsent Masons, delivered a successful Preparing for Parliamentary Committees session as part of its Masterclass series for senior leaders and board members.
The session will run again on 7 September, offering participants the opportunity to build confidence and strengthen capability in preparing for parliamentary committee appearances.
It focuses on how committees operate, with an emphasis on clarity, composure, and effective message discipline when responding to challenging questioning.
Discover more and register here.
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