The Digital Schools Awards is a national awards scheme to promote, recognise and encourage new approaches to the use of digital technology in nursery, primary, special education and secondary schools.

It seeks to address the digital skills shortage in Scotland, which currently has a deficit of around 8,000 jobs a year according to Skills Development Scotland, by promoting a basic understanding of key technologies from a young age and making tech part of children’s daily lives.

Today’s ceremony saw a total of 114 schools recognised for their digital efforts and, for the first time ever, nursery schools were officially recognised by Education Scotland for their commitment to promoting digital skills in the classroom.

Previously, the push for digital learning was focused primarily on secondary and primary levels so this is a major development for the education sector. Following the successful rollout of the initiative to primary and secondary levels and with the growing importance of digital skills, it was decided to extend the programme to pre-schools.

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The Digital Schools programme is one of the most successful of its kind in the UK, with more than half of Scottish schools participating in it.

Launched in 2016, it is led by HP, Microsoft and Intel in partnership with Education Scotland and the Department of Education & Lifelong Learning. Those that complete the programme receive a nationally recognised Digital Schools Award accredited by Education Scotland.

Digital Economy Minister, Kate Forbes, said: “The Scottish Government recognises the knowledge, skills and attributes that children and young people need to acquire to thrive in our interconnected, digital and rapidly changing world.

“The Digital Schools Awards are a great way to encourage schools to develop new and innovative ways in which to achieve that aim, as well as to recognise excellence. My congratulations to this year’s award winners, who are being rightly celebrated for their dedication and enthusiasm for digital.”

Steven Pavia, HP, said: “Combining digital technology with the world-class fundamental learning applied at Scottish schools is crucial for the next generation to thrive in our everchanging cyber-physical world.

“The Digital Schools Awards is a great example of education, industry and government working together to prepare the next generation. To achieve accreditation is a fantastic achievement, and I would like to congratulate each school on their success.”

Alan Armstrong, Strategic Director at Education Scotland, said: “Digital skills are becoming much more important as we see the ways that digital is affecting our lives in the ways we work and everyday learning in schools.

“I am impressed at how often the digital leaders in schools are the children, who often help their teachers and fellow students. Today is about recognition for the outstanding work happening in schools across Scotland to get behind the digital agenda and to celebrate the children who are leading the way.”