College student numbers slump after focus on full-time study - Herald Scotland

College student numbers slump after focus on full-time study

SOME Scottish colleges have seen their student numbers slump by more than half as a result of a controversial change in government policy.

"Scottish Government ministers have asked colleges to prioritise full-time courses for teenagers as part of moves to tackle youth unemployment.

That means overall study has remained broadly similar, but there has been a sharp reduction in the number of students accessing part-time courses.

Although some of these do not lead to recognised qualifications, they are seen as vital in giving those from deprived backgrounds access to education.

A Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Labour Party shows for the first time how individual colleges have been affected by the move.

Since 2007/08, the former Stow College in Glasgow has seen numbers drop by 64%, from 11,400 to 4100.

Cumbernauld College experienced a drop of 58% from 7100 to 3000, while student numbers at Banff and Buchan College declined by 68% from 16,600 to 5300.

The figures also show that, as a result of a merger of colleges to form City of Glasgow College, the sector has seen a 33% reduction over the period.

Overall, there has been 50% reduction in the number of students attending college on courses that do not lead to a recognised qualification.

Kezia Dugdale, education spokeswoman for the Scottish Labour Party, attacked the Scottish Government's record on funding of further education."

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