Awards and Achievements
2025-26 Awards
UK Training Provider Skills Champion - Enginuity Skills Awards
Ayrshire College received the award in recognition of our Supporting the Engineering & Aerospace Skills Pipeline for Ayrshire initiative, which brings together education, industry and public sector partners to address critical skills shortages across one of Scotland's most important engineering and aerospace regions. This was won in July 2026.
Investors in People Gold
Ayrshire College achieved double in July 2026. The Investors in People Gold award recognises excellence in how we lead, support and develop our colleagues. The We Invest in Wellbeing accreditation celebrates our commitment to creating a healthy, positive and inclusive workplace where wellbeing is a priority.
Project SEARCH - Bronze Award for Commitment to Outcomes
The national award celebrates the dedication, resilience and collaboration shown by staff and partners, particularly during a period of significant change for the programme. It was won in April 2026.
FE First Awards - Gold in the Social and Digital Media Impact Award
The award recognises the impact of our Empowering People for a Changing World digital realignment project, a strategic refresh designed to ensure our brand presence is as strong, purposeful and consistent online as it is in our communities.
Herald Awards
In April 2026, Ayrshire College was shortlisted for three awards: Innovative Use of Technology for its student-led VR platform, The Nexus; Partnership Award for a collaborative project with South Lanarkshire College and Dumfries & Galloway College; and Outstanding Business Engagement for its strategic partnership with the Prestwick Aerospace cluster.
Digital Innovation
Ayrshire College Lecturer in Creative Industries, John McBlain, received a Highly Commended Award at the June 2026 Pearson National Teaching Awards for his innovative use of digital technology. He was recognised in the Transformational Use of Digital Technology category for the success of the Lochnorris Studios podcast series and the Write Record Produce Release course at Lochnorris Primary School.
2024-25 Awards
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Health and Wellbeing Award
Ayrshire College received national recognition for its innovative, trauma-informed Wellbeing Plan, which embeds mental, emotional and physical wellbeing into every stage of the student experience. Co-designed with students, the Plan focuses on early intervention, helping learners access the right support quickly while giving staff the confidence and tools to respond consistently. The approach has become a leading model in the sector, driving a culture of proactive wellbeing and inspiring interest from schools across Scotland.
2023-24 Awards
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Green Gown Awards
Ayrshire College's Connecting Communities initiative won a UK Green Gown Award in recognition of its outstanding contribution to social sustainability. The initiative brings together students, staff and community partners to tackle inequality, improve health and wellbeing, and create lasting positive impact across Ayrshire.
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Health and Wellbeing Award
Ayrshire College won the Health and Wellbeing Award at the 2025 College Development Network (CDN) Awards for its Connecting Communities initiative. Led by the Sport and Fitness department in partnership with East Ayrshire Council's Vibrant Communities, the project tackles inequality and improves health and wellbeing by creating meaningful opportunities for students to support local communities.