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PUPILS from schools in Renfrewshire will become the first to achieve the equivalent of a Higher for their entrepreneurial skills next month.

Despite lockdown and the need to complete their assignments online, the youngsters from Johnstone High and St Luke’s High, in Linwood, will be informed by their teachers that they have successfully completed the Young Enterprise Scotland Company Programme.

This makes them the first in the country to gain the new Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework-accredited qualification, introduced at the start of the 2019/20 academic year.

The pupils had to establish an operational business to demonstrate practical skills in management, finance and marketing, as well as show an entrepreneurial drive.

Geoff Leask, CEO of Young Enterprise Scotland, said: “This is the first year that students participating in our Company Programme could achieve a ‘Higher’ equivalent qualification and Credit Points for their hard work and I applaud everyone who took part.

“As it turned out, they could not have faced a more challenging set of circumstances, yet their commitment and resilience during the coronavirus lockdown has paid off.”

Mr Leask added: “These students can justifiably call themselves leaders as the first to hold the new qualification.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond