New colleges launched

Four regional colleges created through education reforms.

Glasgow Clyde College, West College Scotland, Ayrshire College and Fife College were formed yesterday from the merging of 10 colleges.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:

“This is an exciting time for our college sector with students and employers reaping the benefits. The scale and influence of these new colleges, and the combined expertise on which they will be able to draw, will provide a real stimulus for economic growth.

“These changes build on colleges’ strong record and the sector’s pivotal role in delivering the Opportunities for All pledge to offer all 16 to 19 year olds a place in education or training.

“The launch of these new colleges will play a central part in the Scottish Government’s efforts to take education in this country from good to great.

“Today marks the culmination of enormous vision, dedication and hard work by the leaders, staff and students of the merging colleges and I want to pay tribute to the efforts of all involved.”

John Henderson, Chief Executive of Colleges Scotland said:

“With a number of colleges merging from August this marks an important milestone towards the regionalisation of colleges. That opens up opportunities for colleges to be even more responsive to the needs of the students and the communities they serve. Colleges will play an even greater role in strategic partnerships in contributing to Scotland’s future prosperity.”

Val Russell, Chief Executive of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which represents businesses in one of the regions to host one of new colleges, said:

“The business community welcomes the new Ayrshire College as a very important and positive development.

“It will give greater coherence and clarity for those businesses seeking to work with the college, and additional scale, reach and depth to the skills on offer across the region.”