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The College Development Network (CDN) has published a new report, Co-Creating the Learner Journey: School-College Partnerships and Effective Skills Pathways.
The CDN report shows that, between 2016-17 and 2019-20, school-college partnership enrolments rose from 53,000 to almost 73,000. The research reveals that, were the upward trend to continue after the pandemic, 12% of all school pupils in Scotland will engage in study with a college.
The research contains eleven case studies, including Edinburgh College’s work with primary school children to encourage them to think about a career in care, and the Virtual School created by an initiative in the Highlands. Other partnerships are helping school students to develop skills for careers in the creative arts and developing competencies in STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, and Mathematics).
The report responds to the recommendations of the Scottish Funding Council’s Review of Tertiary Education and Research which recognises the importance of multiple pathways for learners and the key role of joint provision with schools.
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.’
The full report can be found on the CDN website.
