College leaders seek funding detail

College leaders “remain to be convinced” over how student places can be maintained, following a fresh cut in funding.

John Spencer, convener of Scotland’s Colleges’ Principals’ Convention, raised concerns yesterday after education secretary Mike Russell said no college would see its teaching grant fall by more than 8.5 per cent.

The umbrella body is seeking “urgent clarification” from the Scottish Government about the details of the funding settlement.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Students said it was worried about the sums available for student support.

Mr Russell insisted the settlement for colleges was “better than anticipated”.

He said the Scottish Government would be investing more than £500 million of programme funding in the sector in 2012-13. .