In August 2021, Forth Valley College was projected to receive a funding increase of 4%. They were to receive a higher increase as they are already considered to be underfunded.
The funding increase was also to cover the cost of digital learning and mental health support, as specific funding for these was not to continue. It would also cover full funding for foundation apprenticeships.
However, the funding award they received awarded no extra money. The college says that factoring in inflation, public sector pay, this is a real terms cut of 8%.
Because of this they are closing their Raploch campus. The Raploch is one of the most deprived areas of Scotland.
42 full time equivalent jobs will also be lost.
Stephen Kerr MSP said:
“It appears that the SNP have made the headlines they wanted by announcing funding for digital learning and mental health support in 2020, because now they’re pulling it out of Forth Valley. Because of this, and a failure to provide proper funding, Forth Valley College now faces a 8% real terms cut.
Nicola Sturgeon is letting down Scotland’s education system. This cannot be allowed to continue.”
