Tag: university

Reforming post-school funding

Stage 1 vote backed by MSPs

Legislation to simplify the funding system for learners at college, university and apprentices in Scotland has been given in-principle backing by MSPs.

They voted by 62 to 39 to endorse the general principles of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill, ensuring it passes Stage 1 and proceeds to Stage 2 in the Scottish Parliament.

If passed, the Bill will see responsibility for funding national training programmes and apprenticeships move to the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) from Skills Development Scotland (SDS). This will consolidate responsibility for provision of tertiary education and training within a redesigned SFC.

The Bill would also strengthen the SFC’s governance powers to allow for more effective oversight of colleges and higher education institutions, including a greater focus on their financial sustainability and the needs of learners.

Higher and Further Education Minister Ben Macpherson said: “At its core, this Bill would better enable funding to go where it matters most, supporting the skills, services and innovation that our economy and learners need to thrive.

“The Bill has been publicly backed by key sector organisations including the Scottish Training Federation, Federation of Small Businesses, Universities Scotland and Colleges Scotland.  

“This legislation intends to help build a more coherent, collaborative, flexible system where colleges, universities and training providers all play a collaborative role in delivering high-quality education and training.” 

The Scottish Government’s response to the Education, Children and Young People Committee report into the Bill shows a revised highest cost estimate of £21.6 million, a reduction of almost £12 million.

Financial sustainability reports launched

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has today (26 September 2025) published two reports that provide an aggregate picture of the financial health of Scotland’s colleges and universities.

Based on their annual accounts for academic years 2022-23 and 2023-24 and latest forecasts up to 2027-28 for colleges and 2026-27 for universities, the reports provide detailed information at sector level on the operating position, cash balances, sources of income, expenditure, liquidity, cash flow, borrowing and capital expenditure.

Both colleges and universities continue to operate in an extremely tight fiscal environment, with downward trends in cash balances showing both sectors under pressure.

While neither sector is homogenous, and the forecasts represent a snapshot in time, both colleges and universities face similar risks to their financial health, including:

  • Increasing staff costs.
  • Further flat cash settlements or unanticipated public spending cuts.
  • An uncertain macro-economic outlook, including rising inflation and persistently high interest rates.
  • Continuing high energy costs.
  • Infrastructure pressures, exacerbated by the impact of RAAC, impacting on the delivery of high-quality learning, teaching and research.
  • The requirement to invest in the achievement of public sector net zero targets.
  • The impact of UK government policies on maintaining international fee income.

The reports also outline the mitigating actions that colleges and universities are taking to adapt to challenges and uncertainties, including staff restructuring, vacancy management, freezing of non-essential spend, reviewing course portfolios, curriculum rationalisation and consolidation, moves to online and blended learning, delaying capital spend and reviewing estates strategies.

Commenting on the reports, SFC Chair, Professor Cara Aitchison, said: “While these reports represent a snapshot in time, the trends we’re seeing indicate the serious implications of the tight fiscal environment in which colleges and universities are operating and the need for action to address the challenges they face.

“We are encouraged by the proactive steps being taken by institutions as they adapt and build in resilience for this changing environment, recognising that this may include difficult decisions to secure long term financial sustainability which is a requirement of our Financial Memorandum.

“We continue to engage closely with Scottish Ministers on the case for investment in colleges and universities which are the drivers for economic growth, addressing child poverty, supporting the transition to net zero and delivering excellent public services.

“We are also increasing levels of engagement and monitoring activity for those institutions facing the highest risks to their financial health and are working with them to understand and assess plans to bring them back to a sustainable position.”

Principal of Edinburgh College, Audrey Cumberford said: “This report confirms what’s been known for a long time – that the financial situation facing colleges is dire.

“The status quo isn’t an option and urgent action needs to be taken before we see colleges fall further into financial trouble.

“Colleges have the potential to do so much more. By unlocking our potential, restructuring our funding streams and reforming our apprenticeship system we could deliver a brighter future for the whole sector.”

Students can get free entry to Edinburgh Dungeon this September

BUT HURRY – OFFER CLOSES TOMORROW!

The Dungeons in Edinburgh, York and Blackpool are offering free entry to medical students to celebrate the start or return to university this September. 

All suffering students studying medicine will be able to claim free entry to the dark depths of the Dungeons during the 18th and 22nd of September, where they will come face to mask with the Plague Doctor, who will share their terrifying top tips to help them survive the year. 

Whether it’s fighting the dreaded freshers’ flu or battling the spine-chilling workload, the (in)famous Plague Doctor has all the answers to ensure students are imperfectly prepped for another year of sickening studies. 

The Dungeons is renowned for taking guests deep into the dark depths of each attractions’ local history, whether that be walking alongside notorious grave robbers Burke and Hare in Edinburgh, stepping inside Dick Turpin’s darkened carriage in York, or warding off the Pendle Witches in Blackpool. 

Mark Mattinson, General Manager at The York Dungeons, said: “Going to university can be one of the scariest things in a young adult’s life, and we’re here to make it even worse for them, with our truly terrifying and devilish dark experiences within our attractions. 

“There’s nothing a degree can teach you that the Plague Doctor can’t, so we thought we’d let medical students come and listen to our own in-house expert, they may even get treated for that freshers’ flu that plagues the university halls.”

To receive free entry to The Dungeons, medical students can visit their local attraction between 18th and 22nd of September and show proof of their university course when purchasing tickets. T&Cs apply*.

Not a medical student? Don’t fear! All students can get over 30% discounted tickets to the Dungeons. Students in York and Edinburgh can book directly through the Dunegons website, whereas students in Blackpool can book via Student Beans: https://www.studentbeans.com/student-discount/uk/the-blackpool-tower-dungeon

For further information and to book a visit to The Dungeons, please visit the website here: https://www.thedungeons.com/

Students encouraged to get vaccinations as semesters resume

Students are being encouraged to get protected against infectious diseases such as meningitis, measles and HPV (human papilloma virus) as they return to campus. 

As schools, colleges and universities return after the festive break and students begin to mix closely, it is a time when we can see increased spread of infectious diseases. 

Being vaccinated offers the best protection and we would encourage those eligible to get their most up to date jags to protect both themselves and their peers. 

Dr Iain Kennedy, of NHS GGC Public Health, said: “Student health is vitally important and that is why we are encouraging everyone to ensure they have their vaccinations up to date.

“Diseases can spread easily and quickly through schools, colleges and universities and being vaccinated ensures the best possible protection.

“If you are unsure of your vaccination status, please get in contact with your local GP practice who should be able to advise you on this.

 “All our routine immunisation programmes are available on the NHS.

“For more information about getting your vaccines, please speak to your GP or log on to NHS Inform where you can read further information on vaccinations.”

More Scottish students than ever in Scotland’s universities

A record number of Scottish domiciled students have enrolled at the country’s universities.

The latest Higher Education Student Statistics show the number of Scottish domiciled students studying at Scotland’s universities rose from 180,170 in 2020-21 to 183,025 in 2021-22.

There was also a record number of full-time Scottish domiciled first degree entrants recorded, with 5,595 Scots from Scotland’s most deprived areas entering university. This is an 41% increase since the establishment of the Commission on Widening Access.

Scottish universities also saw a record number of students qualifying in 2021-22, increasing by over 13% – from 82,850 in 2020-21 to 93,775 a year later.

Higher and Further Education Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “It is hugely encouraging to see a record number of Scottish domiciled students taking advantage of the world-class universities on our doorstep. These figures demonstrate the continued strength of our university sector.

“We continue to make progress to widen access, with a record number of students from Scotland’s most deprived communities securing a place at university.

“We are committed to the principle that access to education should be based on the ability to learn. Every child growing up in Scotland should have an equal chance of attending university, regardless of their background and circumstances.

“The sharp drop in EU students coming to Scotland’s university is bitterly disappointing – an inevitable consequence of the UK Government’s hugely damaging Brexit.

“The Scottish Government has invested record amounts in student support over recent years, and we will keep working with universities to ensure this funding continues to pay dividends.”

The Higher Education Student Statistics 2021-22 show:

  • A record number of students enrolled at Scottish HEIs in 2021-22: an increase from last year of 6.5% (+18,355) to 301,230 and a 30.9% increase since 2006-07.
  1. Scottish domiciled              183,025        (+1.6%,   +2,855 since 2020-21)
  2. rUK domiciled                    35,730          (+3.5%,   +1,210 since 2020-21)
  3. Non-EU domiciled              65,300          (+37.1%, +17,670 since 2020-21)
  4. EU domiciled                     17,140          (-16.6%,  -3,410 since 2020-21)

There was also a record 33,880 Scottish domiciled full-time first degree entrants, an increase of 595 from 2020-21.

maintaining-momentum-towards-fair-access-annual-report-2022Download

University places for most deprived at record high

The number of 18-year-olds from the most deprived areas being offered a place at university is at a record high – up 32% since 2019, the last year there were exams.

The latest UCAS data also shows 29,630 Scottish domiciled students have been offered a place at a Scottish university on SQA results day – up 6% compared to 2019 and the second highest on record.

The number of students accepting places to study nursing at Scottish providers also increased, up 17% to 2,940 compared to 2019.

Separate statistics published yesterday by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) show that in the first quarter of 2022-2023, the number of Modern Apprenticeship starts is up 16% to 3,946 compared to last year.

Minister for Higher Education, Further Education, Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “Congratulations to everyone receiving results today after what has been another extremely challenging year. Whether you are now heading to university, college or taking part in a Modern Apprenticeship, I wish you the very best for the future.

“These statistics are encouraging, particularly the fact we have a record number of 18-year-olds – the closest measure to school leavers – from the most deprived areas being offered a place at university. We want every young person in Scotland to have an equal chance of success, no matter their background or circumstances.

“The number of students accepting places to study nursing has also increased compared to 2019, demonstrating that Scotland continues to be a popular location to undertake medical education and training.

“EU students enrich our campuses, and make a vital contribution to our economy and society. It is bitterly disappointing to see another sharp drop in the number of EU students coming to study in Scotland – a direct result of Brexit.

“The SQA’s appeals process is now open for anyone who needs it. The clearing process is also now live and places are still available for those who want to study in Scotland.”

  • Scottish domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers increased by 6% to 29,630 (since 2019) This is the second highest at SQA results day. In 2021 there was a record 31,070 Scottish domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers
  • the number of 18-year-old acceptances from the most deprived areas has increased by 410 to 1,680, since 2019 (as at SQA results day)
  • the number of EU domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers decreased by 77% to 720 (as at SQA results day 2019)
  • the number of Non-EU domiciled acceptances to Scottish providers increased by 15% to 2,670 (since 2019) This is the second highest at SQA results day
  • Scottish domiciled acceptances to study nursing at Scottish providers increased by 17% to 2,940, since 2019 cycle (as at SQA results day)
  • Scottish domiciled acceptances to study medicine and dentistry at UK providers increased by 23% to 920, since 2019 (as at SQA results day)

UCAS statistics

SDS statistics

SDS Results Helpline

Learn meningitis signs and look out for your friends

CHARITY MENINGITIS NOW are urging university students across the UK to take a few minutes to learn the signs and symptoms of the disease – as cases rise to pre-Covid pandemic levels.

Every university in the UK could experience at least one case of meningitis amongst its students this term, the charity is warning.

If students fall ill, the temptation might be for them to think they have Covid-19 or a hangover, but it could be something else, including meningitis.

Meningitis is a medical emergency, so it’s vital to recognise the signs and symptoms, act fast and seek medical assistance.

Charity chief executive Dr Tom Nutt said: “We know there are cases happening across the country – we heard of another one at a UK university just last week – and every case is one case too many.

“So today, we’re asking university students to keep meningitis in mind, learn the signs and symptoms and to look out for themselves and their friends.

“The early signs and symptoms of meningitis can be similar to flu and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle pain.

“More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.

“The rash can be a late sign though and may not appear, so our advice is not to wait for a rash.”

If meningitis is suspected seek urgent medical help by contacting your GP or calling 111. 

During the pandemic, lockdowns used to curb the spread of Covid-19 also led to a decline in other infectious diseases. Meningitis rates were at a historic low until September last year.

Since then, however, there has been an increase in MenB cases among adolescents and young adults in England, ‘particularly in university students’.

Of the Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) cases confirmed among the 15 to 19 and 20 to 24-year-old age groups in September to November 2021, 84.6% (22/26) were students registered at a further or higher education institution. 

Dr Nutt added: “We always feared there might be a rebound against the historically low figures for meningococcal infection we have been seeing during the pandemic, whilst hoping there would not be.

“We are already working hard to spread awareness messages within universities.

“Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against meningitis. But, with teenagers and young people being far more likely to carry the bacteria that can cause meningococcal disease and as most students will not have been vaccinated against MenB, it is vital they remain extra vigilant, know what to look for and seek urgent medical advice if they or one of their friends becomes ill.”

Meningitis Now has free information for parents and young people and lifesaving Signs and Symptoms cards. Find out more at www.MeningitisNow.org

Anyone affected or with any questions and concerns can contact the Meningitis Now Helpline on 0808 80 10 388 or email helpline@meningitisnow.org.

Record number of students from deprived areas attend university

The number of Scots from the most deprived areas enrolling at Scottish universities is at a new record high.

Higher Education Student Statistics, published today, show a new overall record number of students enrolling in Scottish institutions – an increase of 8.6% compared to last year. This includes a new record high of Scottish domiciled students enrolling at university.

There has also been a large increase in the number of non-EU domiciled students – up 17% on last year.

Commenting on the figures, Higher and Further Education Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “Every young person should have an equal chance of success no matter their background or circumstance, so it is great to see the number and proportion of Scots from the most deprived areas at university hit a record high.

“By 2030, we want 20% of students entering higher education to come from Scotland’s most deprived backgrounds and the Commissioner for Fair Access has previously said that Scotland is ‘setting the pace’ in the UK in widening participation.

“Today’s data also shows the number of students enrolling at Scottish universities hit a new record high and we have seen a large increase in international students. This highlights the fact that Scotland, along with our world class higher education institutions, remains an attractive place to study and live for prospective students.

“However, we have seen a continued drop in EU students coming to study in Scotland following Brexit. EU students enrich our campus life and I hope we can still welcome many of them to our world-leading institutions.”

Higher Education Student Statistics UK 2020-21 show:

  • A record number of students enrolled at Scottish HEIs in 2020-21: an increase from last year of 8.6% (+22,385) to 282,875

Scottish domiciled                180,170         (+7.9%,   +13,120 since 2019-20)

rUK domiciled                       34,520            (+8.4%,   +2,685 since 2019-20)

Non-EU domiciled               47,630            (+17.0%, +6,935 since 2019-20)

EU domiciled                        20,550            (-1.7%,    -345 since 2019-20)

  • 16.7% of Scottish domiciled full time first degree entrants to Scottish HEIs are from the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland. This is an increase of 0.3 percentage points, or 545 entrants, from 16.4% in 2019-20.

Students: Be Like Sam!

Police Scotland issues Student Safety Advice

Whether you’re studying at university, college or online this year, it’s important to stay safe and #BeLikeSam.Sam knows how to appropriately behave at parties and with others, and understands the importance of keeping themselves, their belongings and their online profiles safe.

Before you kick off your university life, take a look at our Student Safety tips on our website: http://ow.ly/m4VI50G3BD8

#BeLikeSam

#StudentSafety

Don’t assume it’s COVID – it might be meningitis, charity warns

CHARITY MENINGITIS NOW are urging young people off to university or the world of work this Autumn not to assume it’s COVID-19 if they feel ill – it might be meningitis.

As A-level results are announced and thousands of young people contemplate their future, the charity is concerned that the combination of new-found social freedoms, the desire of young people to mix in large groups and a move to campus-based accommodation for students, present the ideal opportunity for infectious diseases to spread, putting young people at a higher risk of meningitis.

It’s calling on young people to carefully consider their actions if they or any of their friends fall ill. In particular, Government advice to self-isolate if COVID-19 is suspected could have the worst possible consequences if the illness is not COVID-19 but meningitis or septicaemia.

One person who knows, only too well, the consequences of making the wrong assumption, is 26-year-old Londoner Nick Gilbert, who is spearheading Meningitis Now’s awareness campaign.

In 2018, Nick felt under the weather, but assumed he didn’t have anything serious. After resting overnight, he went about his business the next day and even went on a date.

But just 24 hours after first feeling ill, Nick collapsed, vomiting in a busy central London street. His symptoms were mistakenly assumed to be drunkenness by the many people who saw him.

Fortunately for Nick, a young woman passer-by helped him to hospital, where his meningitis was diagnosed. Nick went on to make a good recovery.

“I dread to think how the outcome could have been different if I’d just gone home and shut myself away from everybody,” Nick said. “It’s vital that anybody who feels ill does not automatically assume it’s COVID-19.

“Learn the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. Let someone know if you are feeling unwell. If you are concerned about yourself or a friend, trust your instincts and get urgent medical advice. Call NHS 111 or in an emergency dial 999.”

Ryan Bresnahan wasn’t so lucky. His mum, Michelle, who set up the Bristol-based charity, a Life for a Cure, following Ryan’s death from meningitis in 2010, has been campaigning tirelessly to raise awareness of the symptoms of the disease and funds for research.

Ryan was a fit and healthy 16-year-old when he was tragically struck down by Meningitis B within an hour of first feeling ill.

Michelle said: “I know only too well how devastating this disease can be and have seen the worst it can do, destroying young lives and tearing apart those who remain.

“No-one should be left counting the cost of making the wrong assumption – meningitis can affect anyone at any time but we need to highlight that teenagers and young people are the second most at risk group of contracting the disease, after babies and toddlers.”

Meningitis Now chief executive, Dr Tom Nutt, said: “Research has shown that up to a quarter of 15 to 24-year-olds carry the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in the back of their throats compared to one in 10 of the general population.

“Whilst many young people will have been vaccinated against MenACWY, which protects against four strains of meningococcal meningitis, at school, we estimate that up to half a million under-25s may have missed this important vaccination. If that’s you – contact your GP and see if you can get up to date with your vaccinations.

“And very few young people will have been vaccinated against MenB, which is the strain that causes the most cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

“Common complaints such as a hangover and Freshers’ Flu are often given as reasons for a person not feeling too well – but we are asking young people not to simply assume this is the case. A headache and fever are also common signs of meningitis, which is why it is so important that if young people feel unwell, they should not jump to what seems the obvious conclusion – COVID-19 or just a hangover!”

The early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be similar to ‘flu, tummy bug or a hangover and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet.

More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure.

Meningitis Now has a free information pack for parents and students, including leaflets, signs and symptoms cards and fridge magnets – all of which contain lifesaving information.

Find out more and request a pack at www.MeningitisNow.org

Modern apprentice success as city’s students receive their grades

Modern apprentice Rebecca Ritchie is celebrating after successfully completing her Foundation Apprenticeship and entering the City of Edinburgh Council’s early years academy programme.

Rebecca, 18, was one of 16 young people to graduate this summer with an award in Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services Children and Young People and next month she will join our Early Learning and Childcare Academy to train an as early years practitioner.

Rebecca, who left Firrhill High School this summer having achieved five National 5s and two Highers, said: “I’m in quite a few youth clubs which I enjoy so thought a future in childcare would suit me. My school told me about the Foundation Apprenticeships which I’ve now completed and I’m going to be a modern apprentice.

“I think the Foundation Apprenticeships are a really good thing as it gives you a good idea of what job you might want to do and take on as a career. I’m really excited about working in nurseries so I can get to know the children and put into practice what I’ve been learning over the past two years.”

Her success was mirrored today as thousands of young people in Edinburgh received confirmation of their grades from the Scottish Qualifications Agency (SQA).

Once again this year there were no formal SQA examinations due to the pandemic; instead, grades were based on assessments which were set and marked by teachers, following the SQA’s new Alternative Certification Model. The model included robust quality assurance at all levels.

Early indications are positive with pupils from City of Edinburgh Council schools once again making improvements in several areas compared to previous years.

A total of 43,875 resulted awards were certificated for 8,189 candidates (includes special schools, adults and mainstream secondary pupils) in over 88 subjects ranging from Accounting to Urdu.

Particular successes across Edinburgh secondary schools include the percentage of A grades in both National 5s and Highers which improved compared to 2020 and 2019. This year 46.9% presentations were at an A grade compared to 43% for 2020 (3.9 percentage point increase) and 36.9% for 2019 (10 percentage point increase).

At Highers there were 48.3% presentations were at an A grade compared to 41.4% for 2020 (6.9 percentage point increase) and 31.6% for 2019 (16.7 % increase).

National 5s saw passes (A-C grades) of 81.7% (up 3.2 percentage points from 2019) and Highers of 85% (up 8 percentage points from 2019). Both categories saw falls compared to last year with pass rates of 88.8% and 89.7% respectively but there has also been a drop nationally.

Percentage increases across all schools were found at the following levels:

  • By the end of S5, 65% of the S4 roll achieved 1 or more Higher passes (A-C) – a 1 percentage point improvement on last year, and 6 percentage point improvement from 2019. 
  • By the end of S6, 70% of the S4 roll achieved 1 or more Higher passes (A-C) – a 1 percentage point improvement on last year and a 4 percentage point improvement since 2019
  • By the end of S6, 46% achieved 3 or more Higher passes (A-C) – a 1 percentage point improvement on last year and an 8 percentage point improvement since 2019

Jake Douglas, 18 years, left Forrester High School with 3 As in his Advanced Highers of Maths, Mechanics of Maths and Physics and starts at Heriot Watt University studying Maths and Physics next month.

His achievement is all the more notable as his courses were completed remotely as he was studying them at different schools. Due to Covid restrictions he was often unable to attend the schools so had to do his studies with teachers through Microsoft Teams and on e-mail.

He said: “It was really difficult having to study on my own at home but it did work in my favour as it meant I could go at my own pace. I’m delighted I’ve been able to reap the rewards and it’s nice to know that all my hard work has paid off.

Councillor Ian Perry, Education Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This year was once again an extremely difficult one for both pupils preparing for their assessments and our dedicated teaching staff who put in a tremendous amount of effort in co-ordinating them.

“The impact of the pandemic on learning and teaching has been a huge challenge for everyone so it’s really encouraging to see improvements in several measures compared to previous years.

“Praise must go to all our teachers and staff who worked extremely hard in pulling together all the assessments for the SQA. Our young people should be very proud of themselves in what has been an unprecedented year of change.”

Councillor Alison Dickie, Education Vice Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Once again our young people have shown great resilience in the most trying of circumstances and they’re to be congratulated for all their hard work as they take their next steps to achieving their personal goals.

“I’m particularly pleased to see the successes of our young people completing their Foundation Apprenticeships. These qualifications are a great way for us to develop our workforce in the early years area by having people who are well qualified with the right knowledge, skills and expertise to support our children and families in Edinburgh. It’s a progression route for young people coming out of school, and an opportunity for them to consider a professional career in early years.

“It’s important to remember that our amazing young people have a diversity of strengths and interests and that every learner’s journey is different. School is about ensuring they are able to fulfil their potential by attaining the highest level of achievements possible and by receiving the best possible experience.”