College places down by more than 8,000 to lowest in a decade, figures show

The number of college places fell by more than 8,000 last year to the lowest total for almost a decade, figures show.

Scottish Liberal Democrats said the statistics, published by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC), are “really worrying”.

The SFC said 116,602 full-time equivalent (FTE) places were delivered in 2023-24 by Scotland’s colleges.

That was down 8,052 from the previous year, with the SFC adding the total was lower than any other academic year across the past nine sessions.

Labour education spokeswoman Pam Duncan-Glancy said: “The SNP has hollowed out further education and deprived young Scots of opportunities.

“Colleges have a vital role to play in both our education system and our economy by equipping people with the skills they need to thrive.”

Liberal Democrat education spokesman Willie Rennie said: “Colleges are in crisis and this big drop in learners is really worrying.

“The SNP’s failure to get to grips with delivering the skilled workforce Scotland needs is a multibillion-pound problem.

“Our economic future rests heavily on the capabilities and knowledge of the workforce and colleges are key to boosting this.

“We need a greater focus and parity of esteem for colleges, skills and vocational education for the sake of social care, renewables, construction, hospitality and many more sectors.”

The SFC found that despite a fall in college places, more 18 and 19-year-olds went to college in 2023-24.

According to the data, almost one in five (19%) of this age group were on a full-time college course last year, with this up by 1.3% from 2022-23 after falls in the preceding two years.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government recognises the vital role of Scotland’s colleges. That is why the 2025-26 budget includes a 2.1% uplift for colleges, as well as an additional £3.5 million to support colleges to create a pipeline of skilled workers in offshore wind and social care.

“Scotland’s colleges give those with the greatest barriers to learning the opportunity to fulfil their potential – whether that is in upskilling or providing strong pathways to university.

“That is why ministers continue to encourage schools and businesses to work closely with their local colleges to ensure pupils are aware of the all the opportunities available to them.

“The figures published today show that Scotland’s colleges continue to provide an attractive offer for young people, it is welcome the proportion of all 18 to 19-year-olds enrolled on full-time courses has increased this year.”