Post-16 education

27th June 2013

Legislation to widen access to university and improve governance and accountability in colleges and universities has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill, which was agreed today, means:

Widening access agreements have legal backing
Ministers can drive progress and identify priority groups for widening access
Twelve regional chairs for the college sector will be appointed through the public appointment process
College and university governing bodies will consider equality duties when appointing governors
Government is paving the way for national pay bargaining in colleges
Skills Development Scotland and its partners can share information to help prevent young people dropping out of education.
Education Secretary Michael Russell said:“Our universities and colleges have a strong track record and Scottish education has a proud history and reputation. The legislation passed by the Parliament today builds on these strengths and sets a framework to ensure the sector continues to improve.

“For students the Bill will deliver fairer access to university, with widening access agreements and new powers to determine priority groups. It also backs our college regionalisation programme which will ensure colleges equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for local jobs.

“This Bill puts in place measures to improve governance, it will ensure twelve regional chairs for the college sector are appointed in a fair and transparent way and ensure equality is considered in governor appointments. It will help to deliver a system of post-16 education that is fit for the future and delivers for students and our economic future.”