The Fife Diploma of Achievement (FDA) is an innovative new local qualification. It recognises the full range of skills, achievements and experiences that help young people thrive at school, at work and in life. The project is in pilot, and rollout across all Fife schools is planned in 2027.
Recognising the achievements of Fife’s young people – about the FDA
There is growing recognition that young people need more than exam grades to succeed. Employers, colleges, and training providers consistently highlight the importance of transferable ‘human skills’ such as communication, teamwork, leadership, creativity, digital confidence and resilience.
The FDA formally recognises the full breadth of a learner’s journey, bringing together:
- Academic attainment
- Personal achievements
- Wider learning through school life
- Community involvement, volunteering and leadership
- Enterprise, confidence and personal development
Learners use digital platforms already in use in schools to build a live profile of their achievements. They can then review what they do well, grow their confidence, and plan next steps – from subject choices and training to apprenticeships, college, university, or work.
Watch the video to learn more.
Benefits of the FDA
- For children and young people, the Diploma helps to build self-awareness, confidence and decision-making especially at key transition points in their school career.
- For parents and carers, the Diploma offers reassurance that everything their child achieves counts – in and beyond the classroom.
- For council services and employers, the Diploma helps strengthen long-term talent pipelines across Fife. It helps demonstrate that children and young people are work-ready with evidence of the skills local employers value most.
