Colleges have been in existence for over 160 years; the first college was established in 1865.

There are 24 colleges across Scotland, delivering learning to 209,285 learners every year.

Colleges are significant employers, employing over 12,500 staff.

Colleges deliver around 12% of all higher education in Scotland and the sector enables over 8,675 students to progress into university each year.

Colleges are the biggest delivery agent of Modern Apprenticeships, supporting 14,420 students.

Colleges work closely with schools to provide opportunities for young people and offering vocational pathways into careers – 26% of school leavers go into further education from school (37% from the most deprived areas).

Colleges work in partnership with businesses to re-skill and up-skill the workforce – over 83,400 enrolments are linked to industry.  Engineering has the highest number of enrolments linked to industry.

As civic anchors, colleges support their local communities by providing access to facilities such as on-campus sports facilities, beauty services and restaurants.  They also support individuals locally – 25% of students have a recorded disability and 9% of students are from minority ethnic groups.