Scotland's Colleges

Scotland's Colleges are now the largest provider of lifelong learning in the country. The 43 Colleges deliver further and higher education and training to around 500,000 students in Scotland each year.

The Association of Scotland's Colleges (ASC) is the policy and representative voice of Scotland's colleges of further and higher education. ASC strongly supports the development of the SCQF, particularly as a tool for improving access and progression in education and training. It is vital that all college staff are now aware of and using the SCQF.

Much work has been carried out to support the implementation of the use of SCQF in Scotland's Colleges. The ASC and the Scottish Further Education Unit (SFEU) have been working together to implement the use of SCQF in Scotland's Colleges. Work undertaken includes the creation of SCQF marketing material and the provision of free SCQF college workshops. SCQF Awareness Raising has also taken place through various workshops, seminars and meetings.

The Framework can be of significant value to all who have an interest in learning in Scotland - learners, providers and employers. It is vital that Scotland's Colleges continue to work in partnership with Schools, other Colleges, Universities, Training Providers, Communities, Employers and Business Clients in implementing the SCQF. It is important that Scotland's Colleges also keep up to date with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)and the SCQF.

Most colleges have entered information on the SCQF within their prospectus and website and many colleges have started to build capacity in specialist staff teams in order to respond to partnership opportunities when they arise as well as raise awareness and highlight examples of best practice for dissemination across sectors.