The Scottish Qualifications Authority is publishing a collection of creative writing by students who have completed English courses over the past year. Write Times 2, which was launched in Glasgow yesterday, includes essays, prose, poetry and drama. The book - the first such SQA collection in 10 years - has been praised by several well-known writers, including the makar, Jackie Kay. Copies will be sent to every school and college in Scotland. A free e-book version is available.

The diversity of Scotland’s colleges is increasing, according to new figures. In 2016-17, a higher proportion of learning hours were delivered to older students, people with a disability, those from deprived areas and people from a black and minority ethnic (BME) background. Further and higher education minister Shirley-Anne Somerville said the Scottish Funding Council statistics showed that the college sector had “equality firmly established at its heart”.

Applications have opened for students who want to sit on the Young People’s Sports Panel (YPSP). The Lottery-funded project, led by sportscotland and supported by Young Scot, gives young people aged 14-25 a voice in sport at a national level. Applications will close on 22 February. For details, see bit.ly/YPSP2018

Three young debaters from St Mungo’s Academy in Glasgow have been named the best in the world. The team won the top prize at the 2018 High School Parliamentary World Debate Competition in Japan. First minister Nicola Sturgeon congratulated the team, saying: “They are a credit to the school, their families and Scotland. Very proud!”