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 2024/25. 

Commenting on the report published today (4 February 2026), Gavin Donoghue, Chief Executive Officer of Colleges Scotland, said: 

“The report reflects the challenging financial environment colleges have been operating in over recent years, which has led to a period of falling college student numbers. Sustained investment is essential for colleges to deliver the current and future skills Scotland needs, and to support national ambitions around tackling poverty and driving economic growth. 

“The overall decrease in numbers is partly due to fewer working age learners accessing upskilling and reskilling opportunities – many of whom would have previously benefitted from discounted training through the Flexible Workforce Development Fund. 

“The positive news is that despite decreases in total headcount in 2024/25, participation among 18-19 year olds in college education continued to rise. This shows that young people are increasingly seeing college as their first-choice destination and a valuable pathway into skilled work and well-paid careers.”