The Scottish Funding Council has published its annual College Statistics report which shows a drop in the number of college students by both headcount and enrolments in 2023/24. 

Commenting on the report published today (25 March 2025), a spokesperson for Colleges Scotland, said:
  
“This report reflects what the college sector has been saying for some time – that investment into the sector is critical for colleges to be able to continue to meet the demand for current and future skills delivery, and meet Scottish Government aspirations around lifting people out of poverty and improving economic growth.
 
“The fall in student numbers is partly down to the closure of the Flexible Workforce Development Fund, which allowed thousands of employees from Scottish companies to access free or discounted training at colleges. Unfortunately despite the real success of this scheme, the Scottish Government ceased funding for FWDF during this period alongside cuts to other training funds, which is now reflected in the overall headcount and enrolment numbers. 
 
“The lack of investment into Scotland’s colleges has a real world impact. Without urgent investment, prospective students could be locked out of education and training opportunities at college.  The Scottish Government must act now to restore funding, protect learning opportunities, and ensure colleges continue to meet workforce needs.”

Although both the total student headcount and number of enrolments decreased in 2023-24, the proportion of Scotland’s 18 to 19 year olds participating in full-time college education increased for the first time in three years. Analysis shows this was due to the twin effects of a decreasing 18-19 year old population and an increase in numbers of that age group studying full time. 

The spokesperson said: “The good news is that colleges are continuing to exceed their delivery targets and the number of young people aged 18-to-19 choosing to attend college full-time is increasing. This shows that colleges are being innovative and school leavers are seeing college as valuable place to gain skills and qualifications that lead to well-paid jobs and successful careers.”

Stage 3 of the 2025/26 Budget is taking place at the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, with colleges set to receive a below inflation increase to revenue funding and a large cut to capital investment. 

Audit Scotland has previously reported that real-terms investment into colleges has shrunk by 17% since 2021/22. 

The Budget does look however to bring forward funding of £3.5million in new investment for Scotland’s colleges in exciting initiatives supporting the offshore and health and social care sectors in negotiations supported by the Scottish Green Party and the Scottish Liberal Democrats.