help young people prepare for learning, work and life
What it is
The Fife Diploma of Achievement is a new award in our schools. It sits alongside National 5s and Highers and looks at what pupils do in school, at home and in the community.
We hope it gives a broader view of learning and skills.
It's being piloted in 20 primary schools and 5 secondary schools in 2025/26. We plan to expand the award in 2026/27.
What it recognises
The Diploma focuses on 4 key areas:
leadership
enterprise
volunteering and work experience
personal achievement
Examples include:
volunteering
work-related learning
leading activities
taking part in projects or clubs
How it works
Pupils use a digital profile to record achievements. The profile is updated over time and can help them:
see their progress
understand their strengths
set goals for the future
Who takes part
It's currently awarded to P7 and S3 learners, although some S4 learners can also take part. In future, all pupils will take part.
Awards will be given at key stages and when leaving school.
Why it matters
The Diploma helps young people to:
build confidence and self-awareness
understand and explain their strengths
develops skills employers value, such teamwork, communication, and adaptability
make better choices about subjects, college, apprenticeships, and jobs
It also helps schools, families and employers understand what young people can do.
The Diploma:
recognises all achievement, not just exams
provides real evidence of skills
supports skills for real life and work
Everything a young person achieves counts. The Diploma helps them take the next step.
Your school can give you more information if required.
FAQs
The Fife Diploma of Achievement does not replace National Qualifications, Highers or other awards. It sits alongside existing qualifications, helping to show a fuller picture of a young person’s learning, skills and experiences.
Not all schools and pupils are currently involved. The Diploma is being piloted over 2025–26 in select schools across Fife, with plans to expand further in 2026–27.
Over time, all pupils will participate in recognising achievement and skills, with Diplomas awarded at key transition points and when leaving education.
The diploma is designed to benefit every learner, at their own pace and in their own way. Participation is part of the school approach to recognising achievement and the focus is on encouragement, inclusion and support.
The FDA is a local diploma that complements national qualifications.
It does not replace existing national awards, but adds value by clearly presenting skills and achievements that employers, colleges and universities increasingly say they want to see.
Colleges, universities and employers are increasingly interested in skills, experience and personal qualities, not grades alone.
The diploma helps learners talk confidently about their strengths and provides clear, practical evidence of skills such as teamwork, leadership, reliability and communication.
The FDA uses existing digital platforms already familiar in schools. It builds on current practice, rather than creating new systems.
The focus is on reflection and recognition, not extra assessments. Training, guidance and resources are provided to support implementation.
The diploma is designed to be positive, inclusive and supportive. It's not based on exams or ‘passing’ tests, but on recognising achievement in a structured, meaningful way.
The diploma is inclusive. Achievements can come from:
classroom learning
everyday responsibilities
personal challenges overcome
community, family or caring roles
wider school life
The Diploma is in response to national reviews. Learning, work and recruitment are changing. The FDA responds to:
employer demand for clearer evidence of skills
the need to support confidence and positive destinations
feedback that traditional qualifications alone do not show the full picture
The FDA recognises a wide range of achievements, which is particularly beneficial for:
young people with additional support needs
those whose strengths lie beyond exams
learners from different backgrounds and experiences
It helps ensure every learner has their achievements recognised.
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