Students and staff at City of Glasgow College are celebrating after the College secured the Scottish Student Sport (SSS) College Cup for the fifth consecutive year, continuing an exceptional run of success in national student sport competition.

The prestigious event, held on Wednesday 29 April, brought together colleges from across Scotland to compete in a range of sports including football, volleyball, badminton and basketball. City of Glasgow College finished top of the standings with an impressive nine points, while Edinburgh College and Fife College shared the runners-up position on four points each.

The latest victory highlights the continued strength and depth of the College’s clubsport programme and showcases the outstanding talent and dedication demonstrated by students across multiple sporting disciplines.

Standout performances included Peter Young winning the men’s badminton competition, while Karina Semak secured first place in the women’s badminton event. The City of Glasgow College Men’s Basketball Team were also crowned champions in basketball.

The College’s men’s and women’s football and volleyball teams also delivered strong performances throughout the competition and were unfortunate to narrowly miss out on additional points.

The Scottish Student Sport College Cup has long been recognised as one of the most competitive events in the student sporting calendar. Edinburgh College previously dominated the competition with six consecutive titles from 2014, underlining the significance of City of Glasgow College’s current achievement.

This year’s competition also saw record-breaking participation levels, both in the number of students taking part and in the diversity of colleges represented, making the College’s continued success even more notable.

City of Glasgow College Active Campus Coordinator, Gregor Cree said:

“The College Cup National Finals is a real highlight in the Scottish Student Sport calendar. It's been great to see the growth in participation year on year, with help from the introduction of the Active Campus Network in colleges across Scotland.

“To continue to come out overall winners for a fifth consecutive year in this ever-competitive tournament is testament to the ability, commitment, and sportsmanship of our students. A special shoutout is also due to Sports Coordinator Andrew Kirk who organises and coordinates our representation so efficiently.

“We are delighted to bring the trophy back to City and aim to do so again next year for a record-equalling sixth consecutive year.”

Around 80 Hairdressing students took part in a successful industry-focused event on 27 April, combining a morning Progression Conference with an afternoon networking session designed to support student employability, career progression and industry engagement.

Organised by Curriculum Head of Hairdressing & Barbering Cristina Devine, the full-day event brought together industry professionals, employers and former students to give learners valuable insight into the hairdressing sector and opportunities available after College.

The morning conference featured seven guest speakers — Alan Edwards, Victoria Miller, Paolo Andreuccetti, Stacey Riley, Sara Arkajeki, Scott Cooper and Jay Hanlin — who shared honest accounts of their career journeys, industry experiences and advice for students entering the profession. Learners gained first-hand insight into the realities of working in hairdressing, including the importance of confidence, professionalism and continuous development.

In the afternoon, students had the opportunity to meet representatives from local salons and organisations during a dedicated networking event aimed at helping learners build industry connections and explore work placement and employment opportunities. The event formed part of the College’s wider employability and partnership strategy, which focuses on embedding meaningful industry experience into student learning.

As a direct result of the department’s strong industry links, a number of students have already successfully secured salon placements, providing valuable hands-on experience and further opportunities to develop their practical skills within professional salon environments.

Cristina Devine said:

“This was a fantastic opportunity for students to hear honest, real-life experiences from people working successfully in the industry while also giving them the chance to connect directly with employers and salons. Events like this help learners build confidence, understand the different career pathways available and feel more prepared for their future careers.”

Industry partners also welcomed the opportunity to engage with emerging talent and strengthen relationships with the College.

David Nicolson from Rainbow Rooms said:

“It felt like a really positive day with loads of engaged students. Thank you for the opportunity to get involved, hopefully this collaboration can make a real difference to all of our futures.”

Feedback from students was extremely positive, with many describing the event as inspiring, informative and motivating. The successful day highlighted the department’s strong partnerships with industry and alumni, while reinforcing the College’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for employment through real-world industry engagement alongside their studies.

City of Glasgow College is celebrating the success of final year HND Jewellery student Alice Sinclair Best, who has won the Worshipful Company of Cutlers Contemporary Cutlery Design Competition 2026 with her striking design, Balance.

Alice’s success in the prestigious annual competition is a significant achievement and recognises the exceptional creativity, technical skill and professionalism being developed by students at the College.

Run by the Worshipful Company of Cutlers, one of the City of London’s historic Livery Companies, the Contemporary Cutlery Design Competition is a highly respected national platform for emerging designers. This year marks the sixth winning set selected as part of the competition’s 100-year legacy, making Alice’s success all the more notable.

As the 2026 winner, Alice will now see her design professionally produced with the support of a Silversmith before it is added to the Worshipful Company of Cutlers’ prestigious collection. She will also travel to the historic Cutlers’ Hall in London later this year to attend the official awards ceremony.

Alice’s winning design, Balance, impressed judges with its elegance, originality and thoughtful functionality.

In their statement, the judges described the piece as: “A refined and well-balanced design, embodying dignity through its simplicity and courage through its delicate form.”

Inspired by traditional cutlery forms and reimagined through a contemporary lens, Balance combines craftsmanship, cultural influence and innovation. Alice drew inspiration from the handcrafted scroll of the fiddle, while also considering the practical and hygienic experience of dining.

Alice Sinclair Best said: “I designed this cutlery set by reinterpreting traditional forms through a simple, contemporary lens, drawing inspiration from the fiddle and its handcrafted scroll. Influenced by the importance of cleanliness in dining, particularly in East Asian cultures, I integrated balance into each piece, so it rests on its own, keeping the head elevated from the table. Crafted in silver for its antibacterial qualities, the design offers a refined and hygienic eating experience.”

David Finlay, Jewellery Lecturer at City of Glasgow College, said: “Alice’s success is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to her talent, dedication and design intelligence. To be recognised by such a prestigious organisation is an outstanding accomplishment and reflects the high standard of creative practice within our Jewellery department. We are incredibly proud to see Alice’s work celebrated on a national stage.”

This latest success highlights City of Glasgow College’s continued commitment to nurturing emerging creative talent and preparing students to excel in competitive professional industries. Alice’s achievement is not only a personal milestone, but also a proud moment for the College and its vibrant community of designers and makers.

Wenjing Ma, a first-year HND Jewellery student at City of Glasgow College, has earned national recognition after winning First Place in the “Best First Year Entry” category at the prestigious Scotgem Student Competition.

Organised annually by the Scottish Gemmological Association, the competition celebrates emerging talent in jewellery design and showcases the creativity, technical ability and innovation of students from across the country. Wenjing’s award-winning entry stood out for its exceptional quality, originality and craftsmanship, securing top honours in a highly competitive field.

This impressive achievement marks a significant milestone in Wenjing’s creative journey and reflects her dedication, talent and commitment to excellence in jewellery design and making. Winning at such an early stage in her studies is a remarkable accomplishment and highlights the strength of emerging talent within City of Glasgow College’s Jewellery department.

Wenjing’s success is also a testament to the high standard of teaching and industry-focused learning at City of Glasgow College, where students are encouraged to develop both their creative vision and technical expertise through practical, hands-on experience.

Lecturer Colin Thomson said: “Wenjing’s success in this year’s Scotgem Student Competition is a fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved. Her work demonstrated a high level of creativity, precision and professionalism, especially for a first-year student. We are incredibly proud to see her talent recognised at a national level.”

Wenjing’s award celebrates her personal success, and reinforces City of Glasgow College’s reputation for nurturing talented, ambitious students who are ready to make their mark in the creative industries.

City of Glasgow College recently welcomed the winners of its 2025 National Secondary School Jewellery Competition for a special celebration recognising the creativity and talent of young designers from across Scotland.

The event marked the presentation of finished pieces created from the 2025 competition, in which secondary school pupils responded to the theme Climate Change – “Flourish”: Jewellery Design for a Greener Tomorrow. More than 600 pupils took part, producing imaginative and environmentally conscious jewellery concepts inspired by sustainability and the future of design.

Winning pupils Sadie Grieg (S3, Balfron High School) and Emily Lin (S3, Kirkintilloch High School) were presented with their finished pendants, seeing their original designs transformed into beautifully crafted pieces of jewellery in precious metal for the first time.

The celebration was shared with parents and teachers and offered a proud moment for the young designers, whose creativity and innovation stood out among hundreds of entries from across the country.

As part of their visit, the winners also enjoyed a tour of the College’s specialist jewellery facilities, including professional workshops, studios and creative learning spaces. The experience offered an inspiring insight into the opportunities available to students considering a future in jewellery and design.

Led annually by the College’s Craft and Design Department, the National Secondary School Jewellery Competition encourages young people to explore contemporary global issues through creative practice, combining design thinking with craftsmanship and innovation. This year’s initiative also highlighted sustainable collaboration through a partnership with Vipa Designs Ltd, who cast the winning pendants using silver reclaimed from discarded NHS X-ray film. This approach brought the students’ designs to life while reinforcing the competition’s environmental message.

Entries were judged by an industry panel including Sandra Gunn (Chair of Craft Scotland), Peter Crump (Managing Director of Vipa Designs Ltd), and jewellers Maeve Gillies and Ebba Goring.

The winning design, The Trash Greenhouse, stood out for its originality, creativity and strong environmental message, reflecting the imagination and forward-thinking approach of Scotland’s next generation of designers.

With the winners of the 2026 competition set to be announced soon, City of Glasgow College is already looking ahead to another year of showcasing exceptional young talent in jewellery design.

City of Glasgow College student Lily Anderson has secured second place in the final of the Combi Guru Chef Challenge, held at UNOX headquarters in Padova, Italy.

Lily, a Level 5 Professional Cookery student, progressed through the competition heats earlier this year to earn her place in the final, which took place from 23–26 April 2026. Competing against finalists from colleges across the UK and Ireland, she delivered an impressive performance to claim second place in the prestigious culinary competition.

Organised in partnership with UNOX, the Combi Guru Chef Challenge tests competitors on technical skill, creativity and culinary knowledge using professional combi oven technology. Lily also performed strongly in the competition’s app challenge, demonstrating both practical ability and strong technical understanding.

The trip marked a major milestone for Lily. It was her first time travelling abroad, her first flight, and her first experience of international travel. Travelling to Padova with lecturer Artur Kurlowicz gave her the opportunity to compete in the final, build confidence and gain valuable new experience.

Artur played a key role in supporting Lily throughout the competition. He organised the class’s involvement in the app challenge, liaised with organisers, supported Lily’s training, and accompanied her to Italy for the final.

The trip was fully funded by UNOX, the competition sponsor, enabling both Lily and Artur to attend the final.

Lily said: “It was a great experience to compete in Venice and represent the College. I’m really pleased to have achieved second place and grateful for all the support I received from Artur and the College.”

Artur Kurlowicz said: “Lily worked hard throughout and represented the College extremely well. To reach the final and achieve second place is an excellent result, and it was great to see her gain so much from the experience both professionally and personally.”

Lily’s success reflects the high standard of talent within Professional Cookery at City of Glasgow College and the value of giving students opportunities to develop their skills through real industry experience.

A City of Glasgow College journalism student has been named Young Sportswriter of the Year in a national competition run by the Scottish Football Writers’ Association and News UK.

Alfie Robinson, who studies HND Practical Journalism at the College, won the prestigious award after competing against more than 30 students from colleges and universities across Scotland.

His winning article, Scotland’s Missed Goals: How Inclusion Could Be Football’s Greatest Win, impressed judges with its insight and originality, securing him the top prize in the annual competition.

His article can be read here.

Alfie collected the award at the offices of The Scottish Sun and said he was proud to receive the recognition.

“I’m so proud and really surprised to have won this award. I definitely have confidence in my writing and thought I’d be in with a chance, but to have beaten out multiple other university and college students really does give me pride.

“It’s really a testament to the teaching in the department. Over the two years here I’ve had the fortune of being taught by a talented teaching team, all of whom had a positive impact on my writing.”

David McKinney, Curriculum Head for Media at City of Glasgow College, praised Alfie’s achievement and said the award reflected both his talent and the strength of the College’s journalism teaching.

“I am delighted that Alfie has received national recognition for his work. He is a very talented writer and we are confident that he will be successful in the world of journalism.

“His award also reflects on the high standard of teaching and learning within the Journalism and Communications department at the College, as well as the dedication of the whole teaching team.”

Alfie’s success is an excellent example of City of Glasgow College students gaining recognition on the national stage, highlighting both the strength of its journalism programmes and the calibre of emerging talent being developed in the classroom.

City of Glasgow College has taken a step forward in championing inclusive employment with the success of its first-ever ASN Connect – Employment, Skills, and Futures Event, held on Wednesday 22 April 2026.

The pioneering event was designed specifically to support students with learning disabilities, neurodiverse diagnoses, and other barriers to employment, connecting them directly with employers committed to inclusive hiring practices. Delivered in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), the fayre highlighted meaningful opportunities and practical pathways into work.

A key feature of the day was the demonstration of the innovative Yattle “Choose Work” app, helping students explore career options in an accessible and engaging way.

The initiative is the result of months of collaboration between Molly Taylor, Curriculum Head – Supported Education, Health and Early Years, and Thom Howell, DYW Programme Executive at the Chamber of Commerce. Since October, they have worked together to create dedicated job opportunities tailored to ASN learners.

The event welcomed students from the College, local schools, and neighbouring colleges including Clyde and Kelvin Colleges, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment. A wide range of employers and organisations took part, including Real Life Options, Passion4Social, NSPCC Scotland, BBC Scotland, Amey, The Verdancy Group, Centrica, Empowering People, Euan’s Guide, Youth Inspired, DFN Project Search, Wood Group, Impact Arts, Scottish Gas, John Sutton Football, and Ruchazie Pantry.

Interactive workshops delivered by BBC Scotland, Amey, Centrica, and NSPCC Scotland gave students valuable insights into the world of work, from recruitment processes to essential workplace skills.

Curriculum Head - Supported Education, Health and Early Years Molly Taylor said:
“It was fantastic to host ASN Connect – Employment, Skills, and Futures Event – our first inclusive employment fayre at the College. A huge thank you to Thom Howell for his hard work in making it such a success and all of our partner organisations who exhibited and delivered workshops. We are looking forward to making this an annual event.”

The success of ASN Connect highlights the college’s commitment to inclusion, partnership working, and student success. With strong engagement from both students and employers, the event has laid the foundation for future growth, with ambitions to make it a regular fixture in the college calendar.

A recent graduate from City of Glasgow College has seen his work displayed on billboards across the UK after being selected for one of the country’s most prestigious photography showcases.

Deljeem Rai, who completed a BA (Hons) in Photography, has been named a winner in Portrait of Britain, an annual competition run by the British Journal of Photography in partnership with JCDecaux.

The award-winning portrait, originally presented at the College’s graduate show, was selected from thousands of entries submitted by photographers across the UK. The competition celebrates powerful images that capture the diversity and complexity of modern British life, with around 100 portraits chosen each year.

Deljeem’s image stands out for its intimate portrayal of identity and community, capturing a subject whose presence reflects both personal story and wider cultural experience. Through careful composition and a strong sense of connection between photographer and subject, the portrait conveys authenticity and quiet strength, qualities that resonated with the judges.

As part of the award, his work has been displayed on digital screens and billboards nationwide, bringing his photography to a mass public audience. The image has also been published in the latest Portrait of Britain book, marking a significant milestone in his early career.

Reflecting on his time at the College, Deljeem said:

“Being a student at City of Glasgow College was an incredible experience. It gave me the confidence to experiment and push my work in new directions.

Being selected for Portrait of Britain felt really rewarding, not just for me, but for my community and the culture behind the image. It was a real moment of pride.”

The award is widely regarded as a launchpad for emerging photographers, offering national exposure and opening doors to future commissions and exhibitions.

Staff at City of Glasgow College have praised Deljeem’s achievement as a testament to both his talent and the creative environment fostered within the Photography programme.

Iain Smart, Photography lecturer, said:

“Deljeem’s success is a fantastic achievement and richly deserved. To see work developed here at the College go on to gain national recognition at this level is hugely rewarding. We’re incredibly proud of him and excited to see where his career goes next.”

This recognition is an important step in Deljeem’s career and also highlights the impact of nurturing emerging creative voices and the stories they bring to a wider audience.

Two students from City of Glasgow College have secured a major culinary victory after winning the prestigious MasterChefGB Seafood Chef and Front of House (FOH) Team Competition, held at the college’s Scholars Restaurant on Tuesday 14 April.

The competition, organised by MasterChefs of Great Britain, brought together talented students and apprentices from across the UK. Following a competitive heat stage, four teams progressed to the final, where they were challenged to design, prepare and deliver a seafood-themed dining experience for two guests.

Representing City of Glasgow College, chef student Adam Walker (HND Professional Cookery) and FOH student Tom Hird (BA Hospitality) demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork and professionalism to claim the top prize. The duo worked collaboratively to create a high-quality culinary experience, showcasing both technical expertise in the kitchen and outstanding front-of-house service.

Their success reflects both individual dedication and strong teamwork, following weeks of preparation supported by staff trainers Ava Kaskonas and Darren Seggie.

Ava praised Tom’s development throughout the competition, saying:

“It’s been fantastic to see Tom grow in both skill and confidence. He handled pressure with real professionalism and delivered an exceptional guest experience. His attitude, willingness to learn and ability to take feedback on board really set him apart. Together with Adam, he formed a strong team that trusted each other and brought out the best in one another.”

Darren also shared his praise:

“I couldn’t be prouder of Adam. His progress from the start of training to the competition has been remarkable. His work ethic never changed, always putting in the hours, taking feedback and pushing to improve. He showed real resilience throughout. This win reflects that commitment, and he worked brilliantly with Tom. I’m sure this is just the beginning for both of them.”

The event was organised by George McIvor and Serena McIvor, with the final taking place in the College’s Scholars Restaurant, providing a realistic, high-pressure environment for competitors.

As winners, Adam and Tom received an impressive prize package, including £1,000 in cash, individual trophies and a five-day placement in a two Michelin-starred restaurant. In addition, the College was awarded a professional grill, further enhancing its training facilities.

This achievement highlights the strength of hospitality and culinary training at City of Glasgow College and reinforces its reputation for developing industry-ready graduates capable of excelling at the highest level.