Scotland’s first on-site skills academy, aimed at improving the outcomes of young people in care, officially opened in Angus today (Wednesday 23 September 2026).
The Tay Skills Academy at Rossie Young People’s Trust near Montrose will operate in partnership with Dundee and Angus College, providing vocational skills training for its community of young people and increasing their chances of finding and sustaining employment.
The on-site skills and training centre is the first of its kind in Scotland. Offering practical training in everything from plumbing and painting to joinery and IT, the skills-first facility will complement the existing Rossie school, which provides bespoke education programmes and qualifications. Through hands-on activities, young people will also strengthen their core skills in areas such as maths and English.
With a history spanning over 160 years, Rossie provides bespoke education, specialist support and welfare services for children and young people up to age 18. Set amongst 150 acres of mature grounds and woodlands between Arbroath and Montrose, Rossie offers both residential and secure accommodation, supported by over 200 highly skilled staff.
Supported by skills coaches employed by Dundee and Angus College, the on-site provision will enable small-group skills development within Rossie’s supportive and therapeutic environment. Young people will have the opportunity to achieve SCQF Levels 3–5 qualifications, or standalone units for those with shorter stays. The facility will also provide clear progression pathways, supporting young people as they advance through life. Core skills will be integrated into practical training, including communication, numeracy, health and safety, and teamwork, to ensure young people are well prepared for life beyond Rossie.
The academy also houses a fully functioning kitchen to teach independent living skills and office spaces for staff.
Today, Lee Lapin, Director of Curriculum and Partnerships and Laura Louch, Curriculum Project Leader at Dundee and Angus College, joined Kevin Northcott, Chief Executive Officer of Rossie Young People’s Trust, to celebrate the opening.
Mr Northcott said, “Today marks a major milestone for children and young people in care, who deserve every opportunity to develop their skills, confidence and pathways into adulthood and life beyond care.
“Rossie is home to a community of young people, many of whom have experienced multiple adverse childhood experiences, resulting in complex needs and vulnerabilities. These experiences can often affect their engagement with education, meaning learning must be delivered in a way that recognises and responds to their individual needs.
“Importantly, The Tay Skills Academy has been shaped with our young people at its heart. They have helped influence not only its name, but also its look, feel and the kind of environment they want it to be. It is designed to be a place that works for them, a welcoming and inclusive space where they can learn new skills, overcome obstacles, solve problems and discover what they are capable of achieving.”
Mrs Lappin commented, “We are delighted to be part of The Tay Skills Academy and to bring our skills, expertise and experience directly into Rossie’s supportive environment.
“We know that young people learn in different ways and that the right environment can make a significant difference to their engagement and progression. This partnership provides an excellent opportunity to make learning accessible and meaningful, with practical skills at its core – something we’ve always been proud of at Dundee & Angus College.
“We’re pleased that the partnership will allow learners to work towards recognised qualifications and crucially build confidence in their own abilities which will be an essential step as they progress into their careers which is a message we will always get behind.
“We are proud to be part of this pioneering partnership and look forward to seeing the positive opportunities and outcomes it creates for the young people at Rossie.”
The development of The Tay Skills Academy reflects a strong commitment to delivering on the ambitions of both the Children (Care and Justice) (Scotland) Act 2024 and The Promise. Central to both frameworks is the expectation that children and young people in care are supported to achieve positive, sustained outcomes through approaches that are rights-based, trauma-informed and tailored to individual need. By embedding vocational learning within a safe, therapeutic environment, The Tay Skills Academy ensures that education is accessible, meaningful and responsive to the experiences of young people who may have previously faced barriers to engagement.
The model directly supports The Promise’s ambition that young people are given opportunities to develop skills, confidence and pathways into adulthood, including employment and further learning. Through small-group delivery, integrated core skills, and progression pathways, The Tay Skills Academy is designed to build not only practical competencies but also self-belief and resilience. This aligns with the wider legislative and policy expectation that services move beyond traditional educational models and instead provide holistic, relationship-based support that prepares young people for life beyond care.
