Vital funds to sustain colleges
The Principal of Borders College has welcomed vital funding from the Scottish Government at a time when the sector is facing a growing sustainability crisis.
Pete Smith praised the support of an extra 10 per cent in funding for Scotland’s colleges.
The amount, which equates to a total of around £70 million across revenue and capital, was announced as part of the draft budget last week.
Mr Smith said: “I welcome the Scottish Government’s decision to provide additional investment in college core funding, recognising the vital position our colleges play in our communities, reducing poverty and driving economic growth.
“This funding offers a real opportunity for colleges to move from crisis towards stability and greater sustainability.
“While that stability is of course vital, for Borders College and the Scottish Borders region, we also need growth.
“I will continue to make the case to secure additional funded student places for the Borders to support our growing demand and enable us to deliver on the skills needs of our new and existing employers, to widen access for our communities and to develop the next generation of Borders entrepreneurs.”
Gavin Donoghue, CEO of Colleges Scotland, added: “After years of funding falling in real terms, this increase will help mitigate some of the sector’s immediate financial pressures in the next academic year, and we hope this marks a step-change in the approach to investing in our colleges.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with the Government and Scottish Funding Council on more detail around the capital allocations, so we can collectively deliver a truly sustainable skills system in a modern fit for purpose college estate.”
While the announcement does not fully restore the investment lost by Scotland’s colleges following a 20 per cent real-terms reduction since 2021/22, it is seen as a clear signal of renewed commitment to the sector.
There is optimism that this budget marks a turning point towards a more sustainable and resilient future, with colleges recognised as instrumental in delivering whole-family support and helping to lift people out of poverty through access to qualifications and training.