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Audit Scotland has published its latest overview of the college sector in Scotland.
Scotland’s Colleges 2018 looks at college finances and how Scotland’s colleges are performing against a number of key measures. One of these measures is student satisfaction which now stands at 90%. The report also notes that in 2016-17 the college sector in Scotland exceeded its targets for learning activity and that college student numbers increased by around four per cent.
Looking at college finances, Audit Scotland found that the sector’s underlying financial position improved in 2016-17 but notes that several colleges face significant financial challenges. Factors that pose a risk to colleges’ financial sustainability include uncertainties around the long-term funding of improved employment terms and the potential impact of leaving the European Union.
The report also points to concerns over the cost of funding repairs to college buildings and on the attainment gap between students from the most and least deprived areas of Scotland.
Commenting on the report, John Kemp, Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said:
“There is a lot of positive news in today’s report. Student satisfaction, already high, has now reached 90%, the college sector exceeded its targets for learning activity and college student numbers have increased. These results are a tribute to the commitment and dedication of everyone who contributes to students’ experiences at college. The report also highlights some areas for improvement and we are working with the sector to address these.”
Scotland’s Colleges 2018 is now available on the Audit Scotland website.
