A recent survey revealed that 80% of teachers involved in the Vision Schools Scotland programme reported significant improvements in their motivation and confidence when teaching about the Holocaust.

Since its launch in 2017, the Vision Schools Scotland programme, delivered by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) in partnership with the Holocaust Educational Trust, has garnered widespread praise for its ability to equip teachers with essential resources and professional development opportunities. The programme is supported by funding from the Scottish Government and the UK Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

By promoting responsible citizenship, a core value of Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, the programme encourages educators to confront the complexities of the Holocaust with confidence and clarity. One teacher from Alva Academy commented, “In dealing with delicate topics such as the Holocaust, along with our approaches developed through our work with Vision Schools this has helped us plan, prepare and deliver lessons on current conflicts.” 

"We are thrilled to see such a positive response from teachers participating in the Vision Schools Scotland programme. The fact that 80% of teachers report an increase in confidence and motivation demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach and the invaluable professional development opportunities we provide. In a time when Holocaust education is more critical than ever, we are proud to be supporting educators to inspire their students and ensure the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten."
Dr Paula Cowan, Director of Vision Schools Scotland and Reader in Education

Eleven of the participating schools across Scotland were recognised for best practice in Holocaust education at an event at Scottish Parliament on Thursday 6 February 2025.

Alva Academy, Chryston High School, Mearns Castle High School and West Calder have renewed their Vision Schools Scotland status for a further three years. Balerno High School, Inverurie Academy and Williamwood High School have been awarded level one status until 2027. St Ninian’s High School East Dunbartonshire and St Ninian’s High School, East Renfrewshire have been awarded level two status also until 2027. Isobel Mair School and Kirkintilloch High School received a Recognition of Commitment in Holocaust Education. 

The celebratory event was hosted by Jackie Baillie MSP, and Jackson Carlaw MSP.

Ms Baillie said, “Vision Schools Scotland continues to deliver vital school-based learning on the horrors of the Holocaust. As levels of antisemitism continue to rise across the UK, Vision Schools is doing key work to ensure generations of young people understand why the past cannot be repeated, and crucially, that they will never forget.”

Mr Carlaw said, "Vision Schools Scotland is simply an outstanding education project and the knowledge of hundreds of young people about the lessons of the Holocaust has been bolstered through the programme.

"The Holocaust Education initiative keeps growing each year and I have been so impressed by the work of Vision Schools Scotland that last year, I wrote to His Majesty The King to highlight its fantastic success.

"I am delighted to have co-hosted yet another annual awards ceremony with Jackie and I congratulate the pupils on securing the Vision Status accreditation for their schools."

Guest speakers included the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills; Ms Jenny Gilruth MSP and the Lord Mann, the UK Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism who said:

“I would like to congratulate each of the schools that received awards at today's special event in the Scottish Parliament. They have demonstrated a commitment to teaching the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance at the highest level, with diligence and sensitivity, to ensure students are equipped with vital knowledge, at a time when the memory of the Holocaust is increasingly under attack.

“I also commend the Scottish Parliament for hosting this event. At a time of rising antisemitism across the UK, strong statements of commitment to Holocaust Education for our young people such as this are important.

“I will continue to highlight to government the success of the Vision Schools programme as a leading provider of quality Holocaust education in Scotland."

“Vision Schools Scotland has played a vital role in teaching children and young people about the horrific events surrounding the Holocaust. As this year marks the 80th anniversary since the liberation of Auschwitz, it is important that we are never complacent about the dangers of intolerance, discrimination and hatred. I want to personally congratulate all of the schools that have been recognised for their hard work. They have all clearly demonstrated their commitment to Holocaust education and to sharing good practice across Scotland.”
Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said, “It’s fantastic to hear that 80% of teachers feel more confident in teaching about the Holocaust through their work with Vision Schools.

“This shows the importance of the initiative in empowering educators to teach this difficult subject, especially at a time when our communities can feel more divided and polarised than ever.

“I’d also like to congratulate the eleven schools who were recognised for best practice in Holocaust education. This is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work and commitment of the pupils and teachers involved.”