Kinross High School is celebrating a landmark achievement—becoming the first school in Scotland to secure renewal of the prestigious STEM Nation Award. This recognition not only cements the school’s reputation as a leader in science, technology, engineering and maths education, but also highlights its sustained commitment to connection, inspiration, equity and excellence.
At Kinross High School, STEM isn’t confined to a handful of subjects or classrooms—it’s a whole-school ethos. As headteacher Jillian Shaw explains:
“STEM has always been much more than a set of discrete subjects. It’s about opening up thinking and new ideas across the curriculum, sparking curiosity and creativity… ensuring that every single young person can experience STEM based learning regardless of age, stage, or gender.”
This inclusive vision lies at the heart of the school’s success. From their work with primary schools across the cluster through to senior phase courses and post-school destinations, every learner is given opportunities to engage meaningfully with STEM, building confidence, curiosity and critical thinking skills that will serve them long beyond school.
A Culture of Curiosity and Creativity
One of the standout features of Kinross High School’s approach is its emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. Pupils are encouraged to explore, experiment and showcase their ideas through initiatives such as the S1 science fair, where young people design and present their own investigations. This focus on real-world application helps learners see the relevance of STEM in everyday life and across disciplines. The curriculum also breaks down traditional subject boundaries and ensures connections are made with a wide range of subjects including home economics and physical education.
Preparing Learners for the Future
Kinross High School’s STEM programme is deeply rooted in preparing young people for life after school. Through a skills-based curriculum and strong partnerships with industry, pupils gain valuable insights into future careers and develop essential employability skills. Opportunities such as the Industrial Cadets programme give students direct access to mentors working in engineering and related fields. The wide range of senior phase qualifications on offer, including the Creative Thinking qualification from Daydream Believers and the Scottish Baccalaureate in Science, ensure all learners throughout the school have opportunities to explore and apply their learning in new ways, across different curriculum areas. These experiences are complemented by guest speakers, clubs and careers education, helping pupils make informed choices about their futures.
Taking STEM to New Altitudes
Kinross High School’s commitment to STEM is perhaps best illustrated in its unique aerospace and aviation opportunities. In collaboration with Aero Space Kinross, one of the school’s main STEM partners, learners have been involved in building a light aircraft—an extraordinary achievement that brings STEM learning to life through avionics and aviation. Learners at the school can participate in free flights in the aircraft and will soon be able to undertake internships with Aero Space Kinross following the development of the Aerospace Discovery Centre. Plans have already been submitted to build this exciting and innovative new centre on the grounds of the Loch Leven Community Campus. Experiences like these allow students to see STEM in action—fuelling ambition and showing just how far their skills can take them.
A Launchpad for Continued Success
The renewal of the STEM Nation Award is not just a recognition of past achievements—it’s a signal of Kinross High School’s ongoing ambition. As Graham Armstrong, Principal Teacher of Science and lead applicant for the award, reflects:
“We’re really delighted that we’ve been able to be the first school in Scotland to be able to get the renewal and I think that reflects our plans going forward. We’re really ambitious for STEM in our school. We’re really ambitious to give our young people the best opportunities in STEM.”
This milestone demonstrates the power of a sustained, whole-school commitment to STEM education—one that nurtures curiosity, builds skills and inspires the next generation of innovators. As Kinross High School continues to push boundaries and aim higher, one thing is clear: their STEM journey is far from over—it’s only just taking flight.
If you want to learn more about the award-winning STEM practice at Kinross High School we have created a video playlist that will allow you to hear from a range of pupils and staff from different faculties in the school. Please follow this link: STEM Nation Award Kinross High School
Would you like to know more about the STEM Nation Award? Is your setting ready to apply for STEM Nation Award renewal? All of the information you need can be found here on our STEM Nation Award site. The programme is currently open to applications from early learning and childcare settings, schools and community learning and development organisations across Scotland. Our friendly team are here to help you on you STEM Nation journey. Please do not hesitate to contact us at STEM@educationscotland.gov.scot if you have any questions or would like support with your application.
