School partnership courses - for senior school pupils moving into S4, S5 and S6 in August 2026 - offer a wide range of vocational courses to study alongside school-based National and Higher qualifications.
Make Fridays Fun and join us at college to level up your skills and grab those qualifications that'll be the stepping stones to your future career!
This nationally recognised qualification is designed for senior pupils in S6 who are passionate about health, fitness, and supporting others in achieving their goals. This course provides the essential knowledge and practical skills required to work as a Gym Instructor in a fitness environment.
Through a combination of classroom learning and hands- on practical experience, you will gain confidence in using gym equipment, designing programmes, and working with a range of clients. This is an excellent opportunity for pupils who want to start their journey in the fitness industry while still at school.
Qualifications
Active IQ fitness Instruction level 2
You will learn how to:
Plan and deliver safe, effective gym-based exercise sessions
Understand anatomy and physiology relevant to exercise and fitness
Apply principles of health, safety, and customer care in a gym setting
Support clients with motivation and goal setting
Entry requirements
• Be in S6 at school.
• One Higher at C or above.
• Have a strong interest in health, fitness, and exercise.
• Be willing to participate in practical gym based activities and theory lessons.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, reliability, and commitment to learning.
• Be physically able to take part in exercise sessions (reasonable adjustments can be discussed if required).
No prior experience in gym instruction is necessary enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are key!
Animal Care (An Introduction)
Course Outline
You will be given an introduction to identifying and caring for small animals which will cover: Identify basic characteristics of animals, assist with the preparation and maintenance of accommodation for animals, Assist with the preparation and provision of food and water for animals. You will also gain an understanding of working safely, efficiently and effectively in a Land-based environment and will pick up employability skills
Qualifications
Units
Estate Maintenance: An Introduction
Animal Husbandry: An Introduction
Entry requirements
Engineering Academy
Course Outline
You will use and communicate technical information to make components using hand tools, use fitting techniques and assemble mechanical components while gaining an understanding of working safely, efficiently and effectively in and engineering environment.
Qualifications
Units
Efficiently and Effectively in Engineering
Entry requirements
Working
Carrying out Pipe Fitting Activities
Foundation Apprenticeship – Hospitality Course Outline
This course will provide learners with an introduction to the different sectors of the hospitality industry, provide experience of vocationally related learning and facilitate progression to further education and/or training. The units delivered as part of this award include Developing Skills for Working in Hospitality, Developing Skills for Working in the Professional Kitchen, Front of House Operations and Events. The Foundation Apprenticeship is suitable for S5 and S6 students who are looking to transition from school into further education or industry.
Work-Based Skills: Hospitality at SCQF Level
Entry
Learners would benefit from having attained the skills, knowledge and understanding from relevant qualifications in Hospitality at SCQF Level 4 and 5 or progressing from a college course in the same area.
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive Skills Course Outline
Alternating afternoons between workshop and classroom. Practical activities carried out in the workshop include tyre changes, car cleaning, Health & Safety procedures, engines, exhaust & workshop skills. Theoretical content is provided within classroom sessions to provide under-pinning knowledge. On- Going assessment/portfolio building.
Entry
Interest in learning about motor vehicle studies, excellent school attendance
A Foundation Apprenticeship in Automotive Skills SCQF Level
Foundation
Apprenticeship - NPA Construction Craft & Technician
Course Outline
The Foundation Apprenticeship will give you the chance to develop the skills and knowledge to enter a career in the construction industry. You will learn about the different construction trades and gain some practical skills in Brickwork, Carpentry & Joinery, Painting & Decorating, Plumbing, Brickwork or Roofing. This course is delivered by time served trades people and provides trade expertise in classroom and workshop activities. The course provides employer engagement, and you will carry out a sustainable build project.
Understanding industry Personal development: Self and Work, Half Brick Walling, Carpentry and Joinery Techniques, Decorative Painting. SVQ units include Work Based Challenge Skills Unit (SCQF Level 4).
To achieve your SVQ units, pupils will engage with employers to carry out the sustainable build project.
Entry
Demonstrate an interest in this area and a good attendance record at
Introduction to Sports Coaching and Fitness
Borders Academy of Sporting Excellence (BASE) supports aspiring sports performers and coaches to develop their individual sports performance alongside their academic studies. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring sports students to combine academic study and personal development through the delivery of strength and conditioning, practical sport and exercise sessions and classroom theoretical sessions.
Lead Sport and Physical Activity
Participation in Sport/Games
Resistance and Fitness Training
Health and Wellbeing
Entry
Land-based: Rural Skills for Work Course
The Course allows all candidates to begin to develop some of the basic practical skills necessary to work in most of the land-based disciplines including agriculture as well as an opportunity to explore the very diverse employment prospects that exist in land-based industries.
Estate Maintenance: An Introduction
Animal Husbandry: An Introduction Animal Handling: An Introduction Entry
NPA Computing Technology Course
This course will advance your knowledge and skills in this subject area to progress onto further study in Computing, IT or another subject. The delivery will be project based and will provide candidates with opportunity to develop a wide range of digital skills.
Units that are included in the Computing Technology NPA Framework Entry
NPA - Cyber Security Course
Develop the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the evolving world of cybersecurity. This course provides a strong foundation for progression into further study in Computing, IT or related disciplines. You will explore key areas such as D ata Security, Digital Forensics and Ethical Hacking, gaining an understanding of how these techniques protect information and systems. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the awareness and responsibility required to navigate and safeguard today’s virtual community.
Qualifications
Upon successful completion, candidates will achieve the following award:
NPA Cyber Security at SCQF Level 6
Entry
Applicants should have an NPA in Cyber Security at SCQF Level 5. Applicants with no formal qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, and their applications or enquiries are encouraged.
NPA - Cyber Security Course Outline
Develop the knowledge and practical skills to thrive in the evolving world of cyber security. This course provides a strong foundation for progression into further study in Computing, IT or related disciplines. You will explore key areas such as Data Security, Digital Forensics and Ethical Hacking, gaining an understanding of how these techniques protect information and systems. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the awareness and responsibility required to navigate and safeguard today ’s virtual community.
Qualifications
Upon successful completion, candidates will achieve the following award:
NPA Cyber Security at SCQF Level 5
Entry Requirements
Applications should have three relevant National 4 qualifications including one of Maths, Computing Science or Physics. Applicants with no formal qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and their applications or enquiries are encouraged.
NPA Early Education and Childcare Course
Outline
Delivered through Borders College Schools Academy. This programme is designed for senior phase pupils who are interested in pursuing a career in the early years sector or further study in childcare and education. Through a mix of classroom learning and practical activities, you will develop essential skills and knowled ge that employers and further education providers value. This course is an excellent starting point for anyone passionate about supporting learning and development for children in a professional, caring environment.
The course provides an engaging and practical introduction to the principles and practices of working with children from birth to primary school age. You will explore key topics such as:
• Child Development: understanding stages of growth and learning.
• Play in Early Education: the role of play in supporting development.
• Working with Children and Others: building positive relationships and effective communication.
• Health, Safety and Wellbeing: creating safe and nurturing environments.
NPA Early Education and Childcare SCQF Level 6 – Schools Academy Entry
To join the NPA Early Education and Childcare (SCQF Level 6) course at Borders College Schools Academy, applicants should:
• Be in S5 or S6 at school.
• Have an interest in working with children and supporting their learning and development.
• Two National 5 qualifications at C or above including English, as strong communication skills are essential.
• Be willing to engage in practical activities and group work.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, reliability, and respect for confidentiality when discussing childcare topics.
NPA Forestry Course
The Course allows learners the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of forestry. The course covers units on forestry, woodland, the production and care of young trees and business project.
The course delivery will apply to practical contexts allowing learners to complete routine tasks when in college.
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Rural Business Investigation Forests and Woodlands: An Introduction Production and Care of Young Trees
Entry
NPA E-Sports Course
This course will provide candidates with opportunities to enhance their game-playing skills, organise and compete in E-Sports events regionally and nationally and also develop the essential digital skills that are required in the modern- day working environment. By undertaking this course candidates will be provided with a bespoke gaming studio to undertake their course work along with being provided with an area that allows them to prepare and practice in an engaging environment.
Game Performance
Entry
NPA in Beauty and Hairstyling
Course
This award in Beauty and Hairstyling is an introductory qualification. It has been designed to provide learners with the opportunity to develop basic skills, placing emphasis on skills development and the application of these. It will prepare learners for further study within this vocational area.
The basis of this award is to provide learners with an introduction to the beauty and hairdressing industries, enabling learners to experience vocational-related learning, providing opportunities to develop a range of Core Skills, along with encouraging the development of a positive work ethic.
Facial
Skin Care and Make-up
Manicure and Creative Nail Finishes
Hairstyling: An Introduction
Entry
National 4 award in Literacy or Communications at Intermediate 1 plus Information Technology at Intermediate 1 or equivalent qualification. Selection will be subject to satisfactory interview session.
Candidates without any formal academic qualifications may be considered at interview.
NPA Psychology
Course Outline
This National Progression Award (NPA) aims to enhance your understanding and abilities in areas like analyzing, evaluating, and applying knowledge related to psychological research, social behaviour, and individual behaviour. Key areas covered include:
• Planning and conducting psychological research using appropriate methods while adhering to ethical and scientific standards.
• Understanding the role of research evidence in explaining both individual and social human behaviour.
• Developing communication and numeracy skills relevant to the field of psychology.
This National Progression Award consists of 3 mandatory units :
• Psychology: Research
• Psychology: Individual Behaviour
• Psychology: Social Behaviour
Entry
Two National 5 awards including English, Science or Social Science at a level C or above.
NPA Step into Healthcare
Course Outline
The SCQF Level 5 Step into Healthcare course is your gateway to a world where every day you make a real difference. This isn't just another qualification, it's your chance to gain the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence to shine in a sector that's growing fast and full of opportunities. You'll dive into the fundamentals of healthcare, learn how to deliver amazing patient care, and understand the professional standards required. You'll be learning from experienced professionals who know the industry inside out, picking up practical skills you can use straight away, and developing qualities that employers love such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving.
Whether you want to start working right after school or progress to further study, this course is your first step toward a career that truly matters.
SCQF Level 5 NPA
Entry
Four National 4 qualifications including English at C level or above.
NPA Racing Yard Routine – Borders Course
Scottish Racing and Borders College are offering a National Progression Award (NPA) in Race yard Routine to Borders school pupils. You will gain knowledge in race horse care and yard duties. You will gain experience of working at a busy yard with various types of horses.
Horse Care: Safe Working Practices
Racehorse Care: An Introduction
Entry
NPA Level 4 Horse Care or a proven interest in racing and horsecare.
Entry is subject to an interview.
NPA Scottish Racing Academy Horsecare – Borders Course
Scottish Racing and Borders College are offering a National Progression Award (NPA) in Horse Care (Racing Pathway) to Borders school pupils. You will gain skills and knowledge of horse care and yard duties. You will gain experience in working with quiet horses.
NPA in Horse
Horse Care: Horse Identification and Handling a Quiet Horse Safely Horse Care: Assist with Grooming a Quiet Horse
Horse Care: Stable Routine
Entry
Skills for work: Early Learning and Childcare Course
This course is designed for pupils who are interested in studying early education and childcare. The units cover information regarding child development, play, maintenance of a safe environment for children and working in an Early Education and Childcare setting. Pupils study key milestones of child development, pre-birth to 12 years.
Pupils will gain a basic understanding of a variety of types of play and provision in Early Education and Childcare sector and also key aspects of current health & safety legislation relating to Early Education and childcare.
Units
Play in Early Learning and Childcare
Entry
Skills for work: Early Education and Childcare Course
This course is an introduction to developing skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for work in the early learning and childcare sector. Learners begin to prepare for working in the sector. Transferable employability skills, including:
• an understanding of the workplace and the employee's responsibilities (eg timekeeping, appearance, customer care)
• self- evaluation skills
• positive attitude to learning
• flexible approaches to solving problems
• adaptability and positive attitude to change
• confidence to set goals, reflect and learn from experience
• skills to become effective job - seekers and employees
Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare SCQF Level
Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People Play in Early Learning and Childcare
Working in Early Learning and Childcare
Care and Feeding of Children and Young People
Entry
An interest in childcare and applicants should have or be working towards Early Learning and Childcare – SCQF Level 4 or at least 2 National 5’s, including English.
Skills for Learning and Work – –Course
In preparation for the Skills for Learning and Work course, pupils are gradually introduced to the routines of college life. This course will provided tasters of a range of practical classes, including Childcare, Catering, Health & Wellbeing, Employability and Core Skills. They will have an introduction to the world of work and take part in activities which promote self- confidence and independence. This course is delivered all day on a Wednesday.
