College endorses manifesto urging long-term commitment to funding

Published: Tue 24 February, 2026

Pete Smith – Principal and Chief Executive

Pictured: Borders College Principal and CEO, Pete Smith
 

Borders College has welcomed the priorities outlined in Colleges Scotland’s 2026 Election Manifesto, which urges all political parties to commit to long-term, sustainable investment in Scotland’s colleges ahead of the Scottish Parliament election. 

The manifesto highlights the vital role colleges play in helping people develop skills, improving employment opportunities, and contributing to stronger local economies. It sets out a vision for colleges as key partners in workforce development, community support, and regional growth, backed by sustainable funding that reflects the sector’s importance. 

Borders College is committed to working with employers, community partners, and stakeholders to deliver education and training that meets local and national needs. The College supports a focus on expanding apprenticeship opportunities, providing flexible training for businesses, and ensuring learners can access the support they need to succeed. 

The priorities also underline the importance of investing in modern facilities, strengthening student support, and enabling colleges to respond quickly to emerging industries and changing workforce demands. Borders College believes this approach will help create opportunities for individuals while supporting innovation and productivity across the region. 

By backing the manifesto’s ambitions, Borders College reaffirms its role as a driver of opportunity in the Scottish Borders - helping people gain skills, progress in their careers, and contribute to thriving communities. 
 

Pete Smith, Principal of Borders College, said: 

“Colleges play a crucial role in helping people build skills, access opportunities, and support local economies. At Borders College, we see the impact every day - from supporting learners into employment to working with businesses to meet evolving workforce needs. With sustained investment and a strong focus on skills, we can continue to expand opportunities, strengthen communities, and ensure our region is well placed to meet future challenges with opportunities that work.” 

Skills Engines 

  • A ‘Colleges First’ approach to regional skills planning, as the key skills partners of Regional Economic Partnerships.
  • Colleges become the lead providers of apprenticeships in this new system, delivering an additional 10,000 Modern Apprenticeships.
  • A new Flexible Workforce Development Fund 2.0, to give employers access to low-cost training and upskilling opportunities for their workforce. 

Community Anchors 

  • Multi-year funding for innovative anti-poverty programmes.
  • Increase levels of student support funding in real terms, and in line with inflation.
  • A new national ESOL Plan to meet growing demand.
  • Capital investment to make ageing college estates modern, safe, and future ready. 

Sustainable Investment 

  • Real-terms increases in investment to colleges, and a multi year funding settlement.
  • Fair, equitable per-student funding aligned to the level of qualification, not the institution.
  • Greater autonomy and flexibility for colleges to diversify income.
  • A review of the funding model to ensure best value and avoid duplication across the post-16 system.
  • Ensure the learner journey is as effective and efficient as possible. 

Colleges Scotland Election Manifesto 2026

Colleges Scotland has launched its 2026 Election Manifesto – Opportunity That Works – urging all political parties to commit to long-term, sustainable investment in Scotland’s colleges ahead of the Scottish Parliament election.

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