A JOHNSTONE student with cerebral palsy told he couldn’t gain a formal journalism qualification has enjoyed his first day back at college after a campaign – supported by author JK Rowling – forced a U-turn.

Kyle Gunn completed a media studies course at Glasgow Clyde College (GCC) and hoped to progress to the two-year HND practical journalism course – which included a compulsory shorthand assessment he could not complete due to his condition.

As revealed in The Gazette, he was initially told the college could not alter the course without Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) approval.

But this week the SQA changed its position after the National Council For The Training Of Journalists (NCTJ) – which accredits the course – confirmed shorthand is an “elective” element allowing Kyle to take his place with the class.

Kyle, 19, said: “My first day at college was good and I am just getting to know everyone.

“Shorthand is obviously something I can’t do, so I’m very happy that they have changed it to allow me to hopefully get the qualification at the end.

“I don’t know how many people it’s happened to in the past but hopefully now some people won’t have to go through it.”

When we broke Kyle’s story, it received widespread attention from celebrities, political leaders and journalists.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling and Scottish Conservative party leader Ruth Davidson shared Kyle’s story on Twitter to millions of followers.

Kyle added: “The support has been unbelievable. I would like to thank everyone who shared and helped – especially St Mirren manager Jack Ross who allows me to attend and digitally record his press conferences at the moment.”

The SQA said it measured assessments against requirements set by the NCTJ and believed shorthand was compulsory, but after a review, will now offer two qualifications at HNC and HND level in practical journalism, one with and one without shorthand.

The new qualifications will be available from next spring, but arrangements will be made for people on the existing course to be transferred onto the new framework if shorthand is not appropriate for them.

An SQA spokesperson said: “In particular, we have contacted Glasgow Clyde College, where learner Kyle Gunn is enrolled on the practical journalism HNC/D to inform the college. We wish Mr Gunn every success in his studies and his future career in journalism.”

Brian Hughes, GCC Acting Principal, said: “We are delighted SQA is now able to offer the qualification without the shorthand element, providing all students with the opportunity to achieve the qualification.”