College sector overview report 2023 to 2024: Key insights

• Scottish colleges are essential in ensuring Scotland has a skilled and adaptable workforce, offering diverse educational paths, including further and higher education, employment-focused training, and apprenticeships.
• Rates of learner successful completion have improved by 2.9% compared to the previous year. However, significant variability in performance persists across the sector, particularly in full-time FE provision and within a number of individual colleges. These require more focussed efforts to secure the necessary improvements.
• Persistent attainment gaps exist for care experienced learners and other equity groups, requiring targeted interventions to address systemic barriers.
• Colleges provide extensive support for learners, particularly those facing financial hardship, disabilities, or mental health challenges. Despite these efforts, the rising demand for support highlights the need for more sustainable and comprehensive arrangements.
• Colleges use digital technology effectively to widen access to a broader range of learners, including those in remote areas. However, gaps in digital infrastructure in rural areas limits learning opportunities.
• While colleges make efforts to engage staff in evaluation activities and embed meta skills into programmes, inconsistencies in these practices limit their impact.
• Student Associations are active in many colleges, providing a platform for learner feedback and engagement in college decisions. However, there is a need to raise more awareness and increase participation of learners in representation systems
• Only a minority (43%) of all teaching staff are registered with the GTCS, and only around two thirds hold the Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE) or equivalent. Strengthening professional standards across the sector remains a priority.