College principals to meet Russell over reforms to further education

Colleges have been told to look at mergers as a way of saving money, after seeing the amount they receive from the Scottish Funding Council reduced by 13.5 per cent over the next three years.

Principals have warned they are facing a “bleak future” and will be forced to turn away learners as a result of the funding cut.

Mr Russell said the meeting would give college leaders the chance to discuss the Scottish Government’s proposed reforms of post-16 education, including greater collaboration between institutions.

He said: “I want to make sure the college sector builds on its strengths and delivers the best possible learning and training opportunities for Scotland. That’s why I am consulting on a range of proposals designed to further strengthen the system of post-16 education. It is vitally important that those who lead and work in the sector are fully engaged in the debate.

“I hope that they will be able to take part in the debate and work closely with us to protect services, encourage real change and to go forward on a tripartite basis with the Scottish Funding Council to improve the sector.

John Spencer, convener of Scotland’s Colleges principals’ convention, said: “We welcome this opportunity to engage with the Cabinet secretary on the proposed reform agenda.”