New research says 12% of school pupils will learn with a college

This has been highlighted in a recent research report from College Development Network (CDN), ‘Co-Creating the Learner Journey: School-College Partnerships and Effective Skills Pathways’.

Prepared for the Scottish Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Board, the report defines a School-College Partnership as any learning activity for young people aged 3-18 delivered by a college in collaboration with a school – with a focus on skills for life and work.

Significantly, the report shows that between 2016-17 and 2019-20 School-College Partnership enrolments rose from 53,000 to almost 73,000. The new research reveals that if the upward trend continues, once we have recovered from the pandemic, it is anticipated that 12% of all school pupils in Scotland will engage in study with a college.

One successful School-College Partnership that D&A College has been involved in is Future Skills College (FSC) – a collaboration including the College, Dundee City Council, Angus Council, Northwood Charitable Trust, local employers and secondary schools. The FSC provides secondary school students with pre-apprenticeship pathways delivered in college and the workplace.

Julie Grace, Vice Principal Curriculum and Attainment at D&A College said:
“The Future Skills College is a future-focused programme that supports the transition from school to college and prepares young people for work. The courses equip young people with the skills, knowledge and, crucially, the experience that our local employers are looking for in their employees. Dundee and Angus College is proud to be part of a partnership that provides sustainable career pathways for young people in our region.”

Minister for Higher and Further Education Jamie Hepburn said:
“I welcome the publication of this key report, which highlights the important role of School-College Partnerships in giving young people the opportunity for sector and industry insight when still at school.

“This in turn helps our young people to make better-informed choices in their learning journey and drives more talent into growth areas and sectors where there are recognised skills shortages.”