The empty classroom is a glimpse of what further cuts could mean. Across Scotland, staff, students, employers and communities are telling us the same thing: more cuts to colleges will damage opportunity, skills and local economies.

What this looks like in real life:

• Fewer places and fewer choices—especially in rural and low-income areas.
• Longer waits and delayed starts for people who need to retrain quickly.
• Lost wrap-around support (learning support, ESOL, wellbeing, childcare/transport).
• Fewer progression routes for school leavers and adult returners without the required qualifications.
• A weaker skills pipeline for health & social care, engineering, construction, digital and hospitality, making local recruitment even harder.
• Community impact: fewer outreach classes, fewer second-chance pathways, and reduced safe, supported learning for care-experienced and ASN learners.

Colleges are Scotland’s most flexible, community-based route into good work and further study. Protecting access now prevents higher costs later, in unemployment, retraining delays and lost local services.

This isn’t just local - it’s national. We’re taking this directly to the Scottish Government so decision-makers hear the sector’s voice loud and clear.

How you can help today

• Sign and verify your signature (check your email).
• Share with colleagues, students and community partners across Scotland.
• Add a short comment on why colleges matter—real stories strengthen our case.

Together, we can keep opportunities open and skills local - nationwide. 💜