Search Results

This briefing provides general statistical and research information on the labour market position of ethnic minorities in Scotland. It has been produced to assist the Equal Opportunities Committee in its deliberations as part of its inquiry, 'Removing barriers: race, ethnicity and employment'.

Published abstract. Show less

This briefing outlines recent changes in the organisation and governance of Scotland's colleges. Specific attention is given to the development of college regions and the legislative underpinning to the new governance arrangements for regional colleges as set out within the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Act 2013. There is also information provided on the move to regional outcome agreements as the mechanism for funding Scotland's colleges.

Published abstract. Show less

This ‘Bill briefing’ has been produced to provide the Education and Culture Committee with information on the provisions in the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill. It offers an overview and discussion of the provisions within this Bill, which was introduced on 27 November 2012 by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Michael Russell. It reflects on the main changes proposed in the Bill, as well as the main implications of these changes. It also briefly considers the financial implications of the measures proposed in the Bill.

Published abstract. Show less

This briefing explores the current student loan scheme. It sets out information on the main sources of student support available to full-time undergraduate students in the four countries of the UK. It also explains the student loan repayment systems for Scotland and England and offers analysis of average repayments for borrowers in Scotland and England.

Published abstract. Show less

This article explores the characteristics, destinations and progression routes of early school leavers - specifically 'exceptional entry winter leavers' - in Scotland. Exceptional entry allows students to enter college in the term before their statutory school leaving date - such young people attend college while formally remaining the responsibility of their school. Such arrangements represent an innovative model of supporting transitions to further education among a specific, potentially vulnerable client group, while also offering lessons for the development of school-college collaboration in other areas. Based on an analysis of official data, new survey research with schools and colleges, and in-depth case studies, this article identifies how schools and colleges work in partnership to support these early school leavers. We find that schools and colleges have developed a range of innovative approaches to engaging with winter leavers, and that the majority complete their programmes or achieve other positive end-of-year outcomes. However, the most disadvantaged young people remain least likely to progress. The article concludes by identifying lessons for good practice in school-college partnership-working and considering implications for policies to prevent young people from finding themselves not in employment, education or training.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less

This report presents important messages regarding the extent of, and measures to address, occupational segregation in Scotland. Chapter two presents a range of available statistical and research data relating to gender inequality/occupational segregation in Scotland, along with discussion of some of the key explanations that have been offered as to why inequalities still exist. Chapter three then presents evidence on the policy context and policy activity being taken forward in Scotland to address occupational segregation.

Excerpts from publication. Show less