College funding crisis 'an attack on working-class people', leaders warn

Scotland’s colleges are facing a funding crisis that sector leaders say amounts to an “attack on working-class people”.

College chiefs warn that real terms funding cuts of around 20% over the last five years are pushing institutions to the brink, with serious consequences for students, staff and the wider economy.

At Forth Valley College, the pressure is so acute that its Alloa campus is under threat of closure.

The college, which also has campuses in Falkirk and Stirling, currently employs more than 600 staff and enrols over 12,000 students each year across a range of academic, vocational and training courses.

Colleges deliver most of Scotland’s vocational and technical education, aiming to close skill gaps and provide staff for industries facing chronic shortages.

Among those training at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk campus are Ellie Chambers and Freddie Hargreaves.

Ellie, a second year electrical engineering student, began her pathway through a two-year pre-course while at school.

“I didn’t know what I was going to do – I didn’t know if I’d enjoy university. I finished the pre-course and thought I might as well go into something I am good at and enjoy, instead of feeling pushed down the university route.

“You’re guaranteed to get a job at the end of it. You’re paid to learn, so it’s a good incentive.”

Modern apprentices Freddie and Ellie STV News

Freddie left school after fifth year and is now in his first year of a modern apprenticeship in mechanical maintenance.

He hopes to work offshore when he completes his course.

“I had my Highers and could have easily went to university – I always enjoyed maths and physics. But the hands-on element was a big part for me.

“I feel more kitted out for the actual work I’ll be going into.

“You’re doing what you’re doing with the same company afterwards and getting into working life.”

The importance of college is well understood by Forth Valley’s principal Kenny MacInnes, who has worked there for 19 years.

He first arrived at the college as a 16-year-old apprentice in 1985. After continuing his studies at university and gaining experience across industry, he returned to the college as a lecturer in 2007 and quickly rose through the ranks.

College principal Kenny MacInnes STV News

“I wouldn’t be in the position today without this college – it transformed my life,” he said.

“I’m able to tell students, ‘I’ve sat where you are and experienced it’. I am connected to that journey and I understand it. There should be more people that have come through that route into senior management.”

The college maintains strong links with over 350 employers, creating pathways from education into sustainable work.

But like many other colleges, it is facing mounting financial strain.

Principal MacInnes fears they will have to make “difficult decisions” to remain sustainable, including selling off parts of the campus.

“We’re really ripping into the heart of the organisation,” he said.

“Colleges are at a real juncture – it’s the most challenging funding environment I’ve experienced. The challenge that we have is that our income is not matching our costs.

“Colleges are anchor institutions – we are rooted in their communities, and we are so important for Scotland. We must be recognised as an asset in the national economy.”

‘It’s an absolute crisis’

Alloa campus closure would be 'devastating' for local community — Alloa campus closure would be ‘devastating’ for local community STV News

This year, Audit Scotland said Scotland’s colleges had experienced a 20% real terms cut in funding over the last five years.

The watchdog also warned that 11 out of 24 colleges could run out of cash in the next financial year.

EIS-FELA president Anne Marie Harley, who lectures at the college, says closing the Alloa campus would be “devastating” for the community it serves.

“We are in an absolute crisis – it’s a disgrace that this could happen,” she said.

“The people who will suffer the most are the most deprived – the people who have the most challenges and who have the least money. This is an attack on working-class people.

“Employers struggle to get these skills as it is. If we have no colleges, there are no training environments for these people. Where will you get plumbers, carers, technicians, if not from colleges?

“We are really worried about what’s going on. Most staff worry about students almost as much as they worry about themselves, sometimes even more.”

Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said: “Ministerial colleagues and I are determined to work closely and collaboratively with colleges to ensure the sector’s success and sustainability, as it navigates numerous challenges.

“Recognising the important role that the Alloa campus has in the local community, the Scottish Government has been working with the Scottish Funding Council and Forth Valley College to find ways to support the college and consider the best future for the campus.

“Compared to last year, Scottish Funding Council allocations provide a 2.6% college sector increase in teaching funding for 2025-26 and an increase of almost 5% in capital maintenance. Forth Valley College received a 2.3% uplift in resource allocation.

“In November we also confirmed support for the college support staff pay deal that was reached between trade unions and the sector by providing an extra £1.69m this financial year, followed by an additional £3.3m next financial year.”