High School of Dundee pupil wins British Education Award

At a special presentation ceremony in Manchester last night, Ethan was announced as the winner of the Scotland National 5 category.

The prestigious awards identify and celebrate individuals who have excelled within British education, and Ethan was nominated following an incredible performance in the 2019 SQA exams, in which he scored the highest, or joint highest, marks in the country in N5 Maths, English, History, French and Economics.

His remarkable 5-star feat came courtesy of perfect scores of 100% in four of those subjects - Maths, English, History and French - and 96% in the other, Economics. Overall, he achieved a clean sweep of eight grade A band 1 passes at an average of 97.6%.       

The awards also take into account the extra-curricular achievements and activities of nominees, which for Ethan have included running successes, Maths and Chemistry awards, mentoring and campaigning to raise awareness of anaphylaxis and the importance of correct food labelling for those affected with severe food allergies.  

After picking up the award at the ceremony - which was attended by fellow finalists from across the UK, along with teachers, politicians and celebrities – S5 pupil Ethan said, “I feel really honoured to have won a British Education Award, especially in the presence of so many hard working and driven students from all across the UK.

“It was inspiring to see all that they had achieved and I feel very privileged to have won. Thank you to the organisers of the awards - it was an amazing evening - and to all my teachers and staff at HSD for all their support.”

Rector of the High School of Dundee, Lise Hudson, said, “We are thrilled that Ethan’s outstanding academic achievements have been recognised in this prestigious national award!

“Along with his sporting talent and eye for enterprise he is a young man with outstanding potential who wears his success lightly and is a hugely positive member of our community.

“This award is richly deserved and is also a testament to the dedicated staff who go the extra mile to inspire and support across all areas of the school. We are very proud indeed of Ethan and indeed all our children and young people at HSD.”