Educational pathways that combine schoolwork with classes in further education classes will be the focus of a new study by University of Aberdeen researchers.
School-college partnerships (SCPs) have become more common in Scotland in recent years, helping students decide whether FE and apprenticeships are good options for them after they leave school.
However, University of Aberdeen researchers say that little is known about which students take on SCPs, and that there is limited evidence of how such routes support transitions into employment.
Working with the College Development Network, researchers will explore different models of SCPs and examine how they support or restrict choice and progress for different kinds of learners.
The project, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, starts this month and will run until August 2026.
Project lead Dr Stephanie Thomson, senior lecturer at the university’s school of education, said: “Each school has its own arrangement with its local college, which means there is huge variety in both structure and content. SCPs also often change, meaning that there can be sudden withdrawal of course or qualifications options.”
Senior phase a key focus
She hopes the study will contribute the debate about the structure of the senior phase (S4-6) in Scottish education.
Dr Paula Christie, the College Development Network’s head of delivery and engagement, wants the research to help schools and colleges “support learners in making informed decisions about their futures, whether that be further education, apprenticeships or entering the workforce directly”.
She added: “This research will be crucial in helping us to refine and enhance the pathways available to students, ensuring that they have the best possible start in their careers.”
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