High school pupils from across Renfrewshire and Glasgow were introduced to university life, teamwork and problem-solving during a ‘hackathon’ event hosted by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

The one-day event brought together S3 pupils from across the region at UWS’s Paisley campus, where they worked in teams to develop ideas and solutions to real-world challenges focused on themes such as sustainability, net zero and building a better society.

Designed to support young people at a key decision-making stage in their education, the hackathon aimed to help pupils see new possibilities for their future – particularly those who may not have previously considered higher education.

Gavin McLean, a teacher at Park Mains High School in Erskine, who attended the event said the experience had a clear impact on his pupils:

 

This was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to step outside the classroom and see what they’re capable of. They were challenged to think creatively, work together as a team and then present their ideas to the wider group with confidence. Events like this really help our young people believe in themselves and understand the different paths open to them. It’s a great way to raise aspirations and help pupils think about their education and their future.

Gavin McLean, teacher at Park Mains High School, Erskine

 

The event which was funded through the Scottish Government’s Entrepreneurial Education Pathways Fund, supports projects designed to widen access to education and helps young people develop the skills they will need for future study and work.

The Paisley hackathon forms part of a wider programme delivered by UWS across its Scottish campuses, supporting the University’s long-standing commitment to widening access and tackling inequality.

UWS was named as The Times and The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2026, reflecting its work to widen participation in higher education and support students from all backgrounds fulfil their potential through education, research and strong community links.

Fraser Maitland, Enterprise Manager at UWS who was involved in running the event said the hackathon was designed to meet young people where they are:

 

S3 is a crucial stage where young people begin making choices that shape their future. By giving pupils the chance to work on real challenges in a supportive, creative environment, we can help them discover skills they didn’t realise they had and show that higher education and future careers are within reach.

Fraser Maitland, Enterprise Manager at UWS

 

The University continues to work closely with schools, local authorities and the community to support widening access and ensure young people have the opportunities they need to succeed.

Find out more about widening access at UWS: https://www.uws.ac.uk/university-life/student-support-wellbeing/widening-access-at-uws/

 

The initiative supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) and Climate Action (SDG 13).