Commenting on the Scottish Government's Programme for Government published today (Tuesday 7 May 2025), Dr Graeme Jackson, Interim CEO, Colleges Scotland said: 

"The Programme for Government rightly recognises the critical role of colleges in delivering Scotland’s economic recovery, public service renewal, and just transition. Colleges are anchor institutions uniquely placed to respond to the country’s skills need, from care and education to green energy and digital innovation.

"But recognition is not enough. Without a clear and urgent reversal of the long-standing underinvestment in the college sector, these ambitions simply cannot be delivered. Year after year, colleges have stepped up driving inclusive growth, supporting students from all backgrounds, and underpinning vital sectors of the economy while operating under increasing financial strain.

"The modest new investment to support off-shore wind and social care is welcome but falls far short of what is needed to stabilise the sector, protect student choice, and build the workforce of the future. A sustainable settlement for colleges must now be an urgent priority if the Scottish Government is serious about achieving its goals for the NHS, child poverty, economic resilience, and net zero.

Colleges remain ready to work with ministers to turn ambition into action but that must start with fair funding for the sector."