Financial boost for colleges easiest way to ensure economic growth, principals tell Prime Minister

College principals from across the United Kingdom have united to call on the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer to invest in colleges in a first-of-its-kind letter ahead of the Spending Review.

The letter, signed by leaders from Belfast to Bridgend and Shetland to Somerset emphasises the indispensable role of colleges in driving growth, creating opportunities, and fulfilling the government's key missions, including kickstarting economic growth.

Published jointly by the Association of Colleges, ColegauCymru/Colleges Wales, Colleges Scotland, and the further education colleges in Northern Ireland, it backs the government’s ambitions for economic growth and opportunity but says that to truly deliver on these, Whitehall must invest more in colleges and work with them as partners.

It also welcomes the Chancellor’s investment announced at the Spring Statement in construction skills for colleges in England to support the government’s house building and retrofit ambitions, highlighting the pivotal role of training in colleges to meet employer need, with college leaders in devolved nations keen to share the benefits of more investment in key growth sectors.

David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges said:

"The decisions taken in the Spending Review will have a massive impact on the prospects of our young people and the opportunities adults will have to train and learn new skills. Investing in colleges is vital if the government is serious about delivering on its missions – growth, opportunity, clean energy, a better NHS and safer streets.

“Colleges are the heartbeat of our communities, the foundation of our economy, and the key to unlocking the potential of every individual and kickstarting the economy.

“I am proud that college leaders from across the four nations have united today to urge the Prime Minister to recognise this and take bold action to ensure our colleges have the resources they need to thrive.”

Dr Graeme Jackson, interim CEO of Colleges Scotland, said:

“Scotland’s colleges provide both further and higher education, and are vital to delivering economic growth and opportunity, not just in Scotland but across the UK and internationally. Scotland’s colleges are training talented people for key sectors which are important to the whole of the UK, including energy, construction, and digital, helping to lift people out of poverty and supporting communities.

“While most funding comes from the Scottish Government, the Prime Minister must also back Scotland’s colleges if UK wide goals are to be met. With the right investment, colleges can do even more to build a stronger, fairer economy.”

Mel Higgins, Chair of the College Principals’ Group in Northern Ireland said:

“Our Colleges play a vital role in society, both in supporting economic growth and tackling social exclusion aligned to the Executive’s Programme for Government priorities and to the Economy Minister’s economic priorities.

“The agility of our sector means we can stay ahead of the curve when it comes to anticipating skills needs and we work effectively with employers and industry leaders to shape a skilled workforce that can meet their needs.

“Therefore, investment in our further education colleges will not only support young people in obtaining qualifications and skills, but will also support life-long learning, something we know is equally as important with the emergence of key growth sectors in Northern Ireland like the digital technology sector, creative industries and advanced manufacturing. An investment in our further education colleges is an investment in our society as a whole.”

Lisa Thomas, ColegauCymru Chair, and Chief Executive and Principal of The College Merthyr Tydfil said:

“This powerful joint statement reflects the strength of feeling right across the UK that investment in further education must be a top priority for the Prime Minister. Colleges in Wales are experiencing acute financial pressures.

“Additional, sustained investment is critical to enable colleges to deliver the skills needed for key industries, support our learners, and for communities to prosper. We urge the UK Government to equip the devolved administrations with the funding they need to ensure colleges can play their full part in building a stronger, fairer, greener economy.”

The letter cites three core elements where colleges help deliver on the government’s agenda:

1. Empowering Young People: Colleges are the launchpads for young people, equipping them with the education and skills they need to soar into meaningful employment.

1. Supporting Industry: From the NHS to construction, colleges are the backbone of our industrial strategy, providing the essential skills that power our growth sectors.

1. Uplifting Adults: Colleges are the champions of lifelong learning, helping adults enhance their literacy, maths, and digital skills, and enabling them to contribute fully to our economy and communities.