Former SWAP Student Named Scotland’s Nursing Student of the Year

Former SWAP Dundee & Angus College Access to Nursing student Grant Cooper has been named Scotland’s Nursing Student of the Year by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland.

Grant, a graduate of the University of Dundee and now a community staff nurse in Forfar, made a life-changing decision to pursue nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic. His journey began with the SWAP programme at Dundee and Angus College, where he returned to education with outstanding success, earning straight A grades and securing a place at university.

Despite experiencing the devastating loss of both his parents during his studies, Grant persevered and completed his degree with merit. His resilience, compassion, and dedication earned him national recognition. The judges praised his courage, empathy, and advocacy for patients, describing him as a role model for what student nurses can contribute to the profession.

Grant’s story is a powerful example of the impact of widening access to education and the opportunities SWAP can offer to those ready for a new direction.

Read the full article on Dundee & Angus College's website