Borders College is urging the Scottish Government to provide fair and sustainable funding to ensure it can continue delivering high-quality education, supporting communities, and contributing to Scotland’s economic growth. Since 2020, more than 25,000 learners have enrolled in over 580 courses, with 98% of students reporting high satisfaction across Further and Higher Education. Studying at Borders College offers more than qualifications; learners gain confidence, new skills, and improved career prospects.
However, due to year-on-year funding reductions, the College faces significant financial pressures stemming from years of underinvestment. In its report “Scotland’s Colleges 2025 Audit Scotland warned that continued flat-cash funding threatens learning opportunities, vital community services, and the development of a skilled workforce. Without increased investment, Scotland risks weakened economic productivity, unmet employer demand, and reduced access to essential training.
Borders College stresses that campuses, facilities, and digital infrastructure urgently require investment to meet modern industry standards. Staff also need stable funding to maintain the high-quality learning experience students expect. College leaders emphasise that with fair funding, colleges can remain central to inclusive growth, innovation, and social mobility.
Pete Smith, Principal and CEO, and Gavin Donoghue, CEO of Colleges Scotland, both highlight the essential role colleges play in economic development, tackling poverty, and supporting local employers.
Borders College calls on partners, employers, stakeholders, and the wider community to support its call for fair funding to safeguard opportunities and help Scotland achieve a more prosperous, equitable future.
Key Actions
Support the call for fair, sustainable college funding in the upcoming Scottish Budget.
Engage with local representatives to highlight the essential role colleges play in economic growth and skills development.
Promote the value and impact of Borders College within the community.
Engage with partners and employers to raise awareness of funding pressures.
Pete Smith, Principal and CEO of Borders College, said:
“Borders College plays a vital role in Scotland’s ambitions for economic growth, skills development, social mobility, public service delivery, and tackling poverty. As part of Scotland’s network of 24 diverse colleges, I see firsthand how we create opportunities, contribute to the nation’s economic success, strengthen communities, and meet the needs of employers. Every year, people of all ages come to Borders College to learn, train, upskill, and retrain through a wide range of further and higher education opportunities. The demand for skilled workers in key sectors has never been greater, and Borders College is an essential part of the solution. Our industry-focused qualifications help drive productivity, support local businesses, and give people the chance to build brighter futures for themselves and their families. However, the number of learners we can support is falling due to ongoing funding pressures, and there remains unmet demand for vital skills training. To continue serving as an anchor institution for our community, and as a key contributor to Scotland’s economy, Borders College needs fair and sustainable funding in the upcoming Scottish Government Budget.”
Gavin Donoghue, CEO of Colleges Scotland, added:
“If flat-cash funding continues, 11 colleges could face effective insolvency in the next academic year. That’s why colleges are calling on the Scottish Government and Parliament to ensure the 2026/27 Budget restores funding, supports staff and students, and unlocks the full potential of these valued community anchor institutions. Colleges are the skills engines of our economy and play a vital role in tackling poverty and supporting inclusive growth. Any additional investment would not just be funding for education, it would be an investment in Scotland’s sustainable economic future. The Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape in Scotland, led by James Withers, showed the clear need for reform to better support economic growth. With campuses embedded in every community, and a diverse range of learning opportunities, colleges are ideally placed to drive that transformation.”
