Two teenagers from Inverclyde stole the show when they picked up top titles at the SQA Star Awards

Student teacher Jonathan Marshall, a former pupil at Clydeview Academy, lifted the individual Pride o’Worth Award and was also named School Candidate of the Year.

Jonathan was nominated for the awards by teacher Lynn MacMillan after overcoming a rare disease and disability to excel.

Jonathan, 18, taught himself to walk again after a disease left him bedridden for years.

He missed much of his primary school and returned to the classroom in time to finish his secondary studies, achieving a host of As in his exams and also achieved his gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Jonathan said: “It is so humbling to have won, being picked to get a national award is such an achievement and I am so grateful.

“I hope me winning this award will inspire others in difficult circumstances to know they can achieve and overcome the barriers in their lives.”

The judging panel unanimously recognised Jonathan’s outstanding bravery and determination to overcome significant health challenges, and his positive contribution to life at his former school.

His former teacher Lynn attended the awards on the night and was over the moon to see Jonathan recognised.

She said: “I was delighted to hear that Jonathan won School Candidate of the Year however we were blown away by him also being awarded the SQA’s highest accolade of Pride O’Worth overall winner.

“I think the judges fully understood the young person Jonathan is - caring, determined, motivated and humble with an ability to empathise with others."

Joining Jonathan in receiving an award was former Inverclyde Academy pupil Jason McIlroy who was named SQA’s inaugural Young Person of the Year.

After struggling to engage with school Jason joined a volunteering group and turned things around, taking part in community initiatives, volunteering at Belville Community Gardens and becoming a positive role model for younger pupils.

He was nominated by community learning and development youth worker Paul Ross who was delighted to see Jason recognised.

Jason said: “It feels amazing to have won the award. I want to thank Paul for putting me forward.

“To be shortlisted was an achievement so to win was more of an achievement and I am delighted. I am proud of myself for making it this far.”

Among the highly commended finalists on the night was a partnership between King’s Oak Primary and Inverclyde Council’s community learning and development partnership.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney, who presented the awards on the night, said: “I would like to congratulate all of the winners and finalists on their fantastic achievements and wish them every success for the future.”