Ken Muir Award
What is the Ken Muir Award?
Introduced in 2025 by Powering Futures, the Ken Muir Award recognises exceptional achievement of learners who participated in the Powering Futures Challenge Level 6 qualification.
The award exists to honour those who demonstrate outstanding personal growth, effort, and resilience - qualities that often go unmeasured in traditional education settings.
The 2025 Awards Ceremony
The inaugural Ken Muir Award ceremony took place on 25 June 2025, celebrating 86 award recipients from across Scotland.
The awards recognised exceptional achievement from the 1,675 students who participated in the qualification, with recipients nominated by their teachers for their commitment, growth and impact throughout the year. Twenty-six students attended the ceremony in person to celebrate their achievement.
We are especially proud that this award carries the name of Professor Kenneth Muir CBE, one of Scotland’s most respected and principle voices in education. Over a distinguished career, Professor Muir has served as Chief Inspector at Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education and as Chief Executive of the General Teaching Council for Scotland. His leadership has shaped national policy, and his work continues to champion a more inclusive, learner-centred education system - one that values skills, character, and contribution alongside formal attainment.
In 2021, Professor Muir led a national review of the Scottish Qualifications Authority and Education Scotland. His landmark report, Putting Learners at the Centre, called for a renewed focus on recognising the full breadth of achievement - placing young people and their potential at the heart of the education system.
This award reflects that vision.
Watch to hear a personal message from Ken Muir
The 2026 Awards Ceremony
The second Ken Muir Award ceremony took place on 1 June 2026 at the Pathfoot Building, University of Stirling.
This year, 2,303 students participated in the qualification, with 102 winners recognised across Scotland. For the first time, the awards also celebrated teachers and mentors, recognising 94 students, 6 teachers and 2 mentors for their outstanding contribution, commitment and impact.
How the winners were selected
Teachers and peers nominated standout pupils to receive the award. The Ken Muir Award celebrates a learners journey throughout their participation in the level 6 qualification. This doesn’t necessarily mean the learner with the best logbook or the best presentation, but instead focusses on their growth and achievement.
Read their stories…
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Ben’s journey through Powering Futures has been nothing short of transformative. Once someone who preferred working alone, he has flourished into a confident team player, openly sharing his ideas and making invaluable contributions. A standout moment was his trip to the Mainland for the final presentation - his first time off the island in years - which he embraced with courage and curiosity. From catching flights and staying in a hotel to speaking in a panel discussion, Ben pushed far beyond his comfort zone and showed real resilience. This growth has extended beyond the programme too: he’s now travelling independently, taking part in work experience, and stepping into adulthood with greater confidence. Ben should be incredibly proud of the strides he’s made - his development has been remarkable, and Powering Futures has played a key role in helping him recognise his own potential.
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Abi started the year quietly, unsure if she’d have the confidence to complete the final presentation. But as the course progressed, she fully embraced working with her team and grew in self-belief. She not only contributed thoughtfully but also created a brilliant art piece that enhanced her group’s final presentation. Watching her pride after presenting was a standout moment - clear evidence of how far she’d come. Abi has been an outstanding pupil, and her commitment to the course has helped her unlock a new level of confidence in herself.
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Euan, unanimously chosen by his classmates, was the steady hand that kept his team motivated and on course all year. His calm reassurance before the final presentation gave everyone the confidence to excel. An enthusiastic and hardworking pupil, Euan embraced the course’s challenges and discovered real value in honing his meta-skills - especially teamwork techniques he’ll carry into university. As he reflects on organising, contributing, and evaluating in a professional setting, Euan recognises how the programme let every strength shine, whether creative flair or problem-solving insight.
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Eva journey through the course has been one of remarkable growth and resilience. Faced with early challenges around group work and confidence, especially in a team of unfamiliar classmates, Eva wasn’t sure she’d complete the award. But over time, she built strong relationships, found her voice, and gradually stepped into a leadership role - guiding her group and encouraging others along the way. Despite intense nerves on the day of the final presentation, Eva delivered with poise and confidence, a true reflection of how far she had come. Her pride afterwards said it all, Eva should be incredibly proud of her determination and the progress she’s made.