Banff Academy project shortlisted for national award
A pupil-led health project at Banff Academy has been shortlisted for the finals of COSLA's 2026 Excellence Awards.
The Healthy Schools Project, involving S3 pupils, is one of just 15 finalists selected from hundreds of entries across Scotland.
The annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements in Scottish local government.
The Healthy Schools Project aims to improve access to healthy food across the school.
Pupils worked as researchers and designers, investigating barriers to healthy choices, including Free School Meal uptake, canteen access, menu options and hydration.
Working alongside Public Health and NHS Grampian, Bite Back - a youth-led movement campaigning to change how food is made, marketed and sold, Aberdeenshire Council catering, the Armed Forces, and school staff, pupils developed practical solutions to improve daily school life.
The project culminated in a pupil-led canteen takeover in July, where young people helped shape and promote food options designed by pupils, for pupils.
One of the key aims is to reduce barriers to Free School Meal uptake.
Through surveys, catering data and pupil feedback, the school measured whether the project leads to increased participation, improved access and greater confidence among pupils in influencing decisions that affect them.
Pupils also identified easier access to drinking water as a priority. With grant funding from Bite Back, the school purchased a water fountain and provided reusable water bottles to make hydration more accessible and sustainable.
The project has also given pupils opportunities to develop leadership, campaigning and research skills while working with partners to create positive change.
Principal Teacher of Project-Based Learning at Banff Academy Stewart Clelland said: “This project is about giving young people the power to investigate real issues in their own school and create solutions that matter.
“Our pupils are not simply being told what healthy living looks like - they are questioning, designing, testing and leading change. That is what makes this project so exciting.”
Senior Programmes and Policy Manager for Scotland at Bite Back Katie Horsburgh said: “What is happening at Banff Academy should inspire schools, councils and decision-makers across Scotland.
“These learners have shown that young people are not only capable of identifying the challenges affecting their health and wellbeing, they are capable of helping design the solutions too.
“From this corner of Aberdeenshire, pupils are demonstrating a model of collaboration, leadership and practical action that could be replicated in communities across the country. Young people want a seat at the table, and Banff Academy has shown why they deserve one.”
The winners to be announced at COSLA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition on November 19 in St Andrews.
S3 Canteen Takeover Menu
Pupils (in brackets) designed and promoted a range of healthier food options during the Banff Academy canteen takeover. The menu included:
Soups
Butternut Squash Soup (Aimee)
Tomato Soup (Bonnee)
Main Courses
Chicken Nuggets with Cheesy Wedges (Sophie and Oscar)
Baked Potato with Paprika Pork
Sweet Potato Curry with Rice (V)
Snacks
Mozzarella, Pesto and Tomato Panini (Tessa)
BBQ Fajita Panini (Ameja)
Tommy's Taco Bar
Cheesy Wedges (Oscar)
Salad Bar
Greek Salad (Anya, Aimee, Mia and Rachel)
Desserts
Banana Bread (Chloe)
Oatmeal Cookies with Raisins (Victoria)
