12 Fraser of Allander Institute
2.4 Conclusions
Scotland's colleges contain a broad mix of students in terms of age and they have a relatively high
proportion of students from more challenging backgrounds. They provide a flexible learning route for their
students and play a crucial role in promoting economic and social inclusion.
They are not just vital to more disadvantaged individuals, but to a range of people including those who may
prefer a more supportive learning environment, or those who want to study for a technical, professional or
vocational qualification, or to study part-time, to study closer to home. Also colleges are important to those
who may have a more limited access to higher educational establishments and feel able to maximise their
potential in a college as compared to a school or university.
In such a time of significant economic change, the role that colleges play in helping to develop a more
productive and flexible workforce is all the more essential.