Castle Rushen High School is in the running for a prestigious prize at this year’s Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) Star Awards.

Inspired by visits to Scottish schools, the leadership team at Castle Rushen High School took the decision to offer pupils alternatives to the GCSE curriculum, the first island school to become an SQA centre.

Through the SQA qualifications, they found opportunities for students to gain practical skills which are sought after by local businesses.

The school says its approach has seen student engagement increase.

And the school has been shortlisted in the Centre of the Year in the UK & Ireland category at the SQA Star Awards.

Students were offered the chance to achieve SQA qualifications in Practical Cookery and Skills for Work Engineering Skills.

Castle Rushen is now looking to introduce more SQA qualifications.

Following another visit to Scottish schools, they have set up a Bike Academy, and are building links with the cycling fraternity in the island.

Representatives from the school have been invited to join the other finalists for the awards ceremony at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow on Friday (November 15).