Minister sets out next steps in reform of post-school funding
arrangements.
Arrangements to deliver funding support for learners beyond
school is to be simplified as part of ongoing reforms to the
education and skills sector.
Announcing the commitment in an update to Parliament, Minister
for Higher Education and Further Education also set out the intention to
streamline funding for colleges, universities and
apprenticeships.
Currently, funding across the sector is provided by multiple
organisations, including the Student Awards Agency Scotland
(SAAS) the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and Skills Development
Scotland (SDS).
The Minister confirmed that the Scottish Government will take
over skills planning at a national level. There will also be a
review into Community Learning Development (CLD).
Mr Dey said:
“Scotland’s colleges, universities and apprenticeships are vital
parts of our national infrastructure and it is important that
every pound invested delivers the greatest impact. To do
that, we must reduce complexities to make sure more of our
investment directly supports learners.
"While I recognise the important role played by all of the bodies
involved in funding, as an initial step I am committed to
bringing together learner support funding into one place, and
funding for apprenticeship provision into one place. I will work
closely with SFC, SAAS and SDS to make this happen.
“Our review of CLD will identify strengths and highlight areas
for improvement so that, as we progress reforms, we can ensure
that everyone benefits. It is critically important for us to be
able to identify strengths in our current approach to CLD and to
highlight where improvements may be necessary.”
Background
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has responsibility for
delivering investment in university research and knowledge
exchange, as well as provision of fundable further and higher
education, including Foundation and Graduate. SFC also provides
discretionary funding to colleges for students facing hardship.
The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) provides students
with funding for higher education, as well as tuition fee
payments to both colleges and universities. This includes
Graduate Apprenticeships and financial support for living costs
paid directly to students in the form of loans, grants and
bursaries.
Skills Development Scotland delivers national training
programmes, including the frameworks for all apprenticeship
programmes, the contracting and payment of the public
contribution for Modern Apprenticeships (MA) and half of all
Foundation Apprenticeship provision as well as paying support
costs to training providers.
The independent review of Community Learning &
Development (CLD) in Scotland will run from December until June
2024. It will examine the extent to which CLD is delivering
positive outcomes for some of Scotland’s most vulnerable learners
and marginalised groups.
The Scottish Government published its Purpose and Principles for
post-school education and skills in June, following the
independent review of the Independent review of the
Skills Delivery landscape by James Withers earlier that
month.
