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11 March 2022
Scottish Government reforms to the college landscape began in 2012, resulting in the creation of 13 college regions. During this time, mergers brought the total number of colleges in Scotland down from 41 in 2011 to 26 currently. Many of these college are multi-campus.
Recent reviews by the Scottish Funding Council have recommended further changes to the way colleges in some regions are run and suggested closer collaboration between colleges and universities.
The Committee has today launched a call for views to examine what has been learned over the past decade and how this progress can inform future change within the sector. The Committee is particularly seeking views on:
Speaking as the call for views was launched, Committee Convener Stephen Kerr MSP said:
“Regionalisation was the one of the biggest shakeups to Scotland’s college sector in decades.
“Ten years on, it is important we take stock of the progress made, evaluate where this process has worked for our colleges and identify those areas where improvement is still needed.
“So today, we are launching a call for views to hear from you about the successes of regionalisation, as well as what still needs to be done to get the most out of our college system.
“With your help, we can build on the progress that has been made and ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.”
Deputy Convener Kaukab Stewart MSP said:
“Scotland’s further education system has faced unprecedent levels of disruption and change as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As our colleges balance COVID mitigations with the learning needs of their students, it is vital that we have a better understanding of the challenges facing the sector and how they can best deal with them.
“To do so, we want you to get involved with our consultation and let us know what you think our colleges should be focusing on in the years ahead.”
The deadline for submissions to the call for views is 22nd April 2022.
Share your views with the Committee
In February 2012, Scottish Ministers announced changes to the college landscape as part of wider reforms introduced by the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Act.
This led to the formation of 13 college regions. During this time, college mergers reduced the number of colleges down from 41 in 2011 to 26 currently. The majority of these colleges sit within the 13 regions. Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is classed as a Higher Education Institution though it counts towards the achievement of national college targets.