The Academy Model was developed in partnership between Edinburgh College, Queen Margaret University, East Lothian Council and a number of pioneering employers in the hospitality industry. The first cohort of 34 students began in 2012-13 in what was the East Lothian Hospitality and Tourism Academy. Since then the Academy Model has gown to five academies. Four in partnership with Queen Margaret University: Hospitality and Tourism, Food Science, Creative Industries and Health and Social Care. Edinburgh College has developed a fifth academy for engineering in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and a new STEM Academy will launch in 2015-16.
At the heart of every Academy are the same key principles: accelerated learning and progression wilth full advanced standing, a better learning experience in the senior phase of CfE and a significant involvement and contribution from employers. This last point is the key differentiator between the Academy model and many programmes that have preceded it. The employers shape the course content, ensure that what is taught on the programme mirrors industry standards and that on completion of their studies, graduates of the Academy are work ready.