Clare Peddie honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award 

Amanda Skinner

Thursday 21 May 2026

Professor Clare Peddie, Vice-Principal (Education) and Proctor, has been recognised at The Herald Education Awards for her exceptional leadership and lasting contribution to education and student experience at St Andrews.  

The Lifetime Achievement Award pays tribute to an outstanding individual in higher education whose long-term efforts, dedication and sustained commitment have supported the sector. Judges commended Clare for her “exemplary contribution to learning, leadership, student services and science, and for enhancing the reputation of Scottish education at home and abroad”. 

Widely recognised for her expertise in academic quality and curriculum development, Clare has helped shape teaching policy and postgraduate education across St Andrews, while also contributing nationally and internationally in her capacity as senior academic reviewer for the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and as Deputy Chair of the UK Quality Council.  

In a message to staff and students earlier this year, Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Sally Mapstone noted that Clare, who will demit the office of Proctor in December 2026 to devote more time to projects on quality in higher education: “…is an outstanding member of our senior leadership team and has done more than anyone else in recent years to protect and ensure the quality of teaching and student experience which sets St Andrews apart.” 

A St Andrews alumna in marine biology, Clare has held a series of senior leadership roles across the University, including Director of Teaching, Head of the School of Biology, Pro Dean and, since 2019, Vice-Principal Education (Proctor). 

Speaking of the award, Clare said: “Alongside ensuring that the University of St Andrews delivers the very best student experience and highest quality education, it is with pride that I have championed the enhancement-led approach to educational quality in Scotland, and supported the recognition of the value of education-focused academic careers. 

“It has just been what has felt the right thing to do. What has been an absolute pleasure really doesn’t feel like a lifetime!” 

More than 300 representatives from colleges and universities throughout Scotland were present at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow for the ceremony yesterday (Wednesday 21 May 2026), hosted by comedian and radio presenter Des Clarke, to hear the results following a year that saw an unprecedented number of entries across all categories. 

In addition to the Lifetime Achievement category, the University was shortlisted as finalists for several awards: 

• Colleagues in the School of Computer Science were shortlisted for the category of Outstanding Business Engagement in Universities for their software engineering team project.  

• Archival research conducted to explore 20th century policies affecting Gypsy/Traveller communities in Scotland was shortlisted in the Research Project of the Year category. The project was produced on behalf of the Scottish Government by the Third Generation Project in the School of International Relations.  

• The finance teaching work led by Christian Engels and colleagues in the Business School on embedding AI into assessed learning was shortlisted in the Innovative Use of Technology category, and work for the Essay Gift, a proactive assessment flexibility initiative, also from the Business School, was shortlisted under the Supporting Student Wellbeing category.  

• The School of Medicine was a finalist in the Innovative Use of Technology category for SimPatient, a patient simulation programme providing an introductory experience for students to practise clinical and communication skills. 

Amy Eberlin, Head of Scotland at QAA Scotland, said: “The Herald Education Awards was a fantastic evening, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to spend the evening with colleagues across Scotland celebrating the impactful contributions of staff and students to our colleges and universities.

“Congratulations to all nominees and winners – their achievements showcase the kind of quality, innovation and excellence that QAA seeks to support and promote across Scotland’s tertiary sector.”