Colleges have been in existence for over 150 years; the first college was established in 1865.

There are 26 colleges in 13 regions across Scotland, delivering 69 million hours of learning to around 213,135 learners every year.

Colleges are significant employers in their regions, employing over 14,000 staff.

Around a quarter of all higher education in Scotland is delivered in colleges and the sector enables around 8,000 students to progress into university each year.

Colleges are the biggest delivery agent of Modern Apprenticeships, supporting 11,534 students.

Colleges work closely with schools to provide opportunities for young people and offering vocational pathways into careers – 23% of school leavers go into further education from school (34% from the most deprived areas).

Colleges work in partnership with businesses to re-skill and up-skill the workforce – 92,186 enrolments are linked to industry.  Care 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 – 16% of students have a recorded disability and 8% of students are from minority ethnic groups.