Issuu

Progress, priorities and news

Here for every stage of working life

Introduction – Borders College Principal Pete Smith

THERE is a renewed sense of opportunity across the Scottish Borders, and I am proud of the role Borders College continues to play at the heart of our community. Every day I see school leavers considering their next steps and adults looking to retrain or change direction. Our responsibility is to ensure there are clear, accessible pathways that reflect the needs and ambitions of local people. From construction and care to digital skills and the creative industries, our courses are designed to support the region’s workforce and future growth.

Training that works in the real world

Borders College has long been a cornerstone of learning in the Borders and further afield. We combine practical training with academic qualifications, and our close links with local employers ensure that students gain meaningful, real-world experience while they study. This helps businesses across our towns and rural communities to find skilled, confident staff who are ready to contribute from day one.

for every generation, whether that is a young person starting out, a parent returning to work or someone ready for a new challenge. Our communities are resilient and full of potential, and we are proud to play our part in helping them thrive.

“Borders College belongs to the people of the Scottish Borders”

I firmly believe that our mission goes beyond education alone. Borders College belongs to the people of the Scottish Borders. We are here to create opportunities

In recent years, we have invested in modern facilities and flexible learning options, making it easier for students to access highquality training. We have strengthened our support services to ensure learners from all backgrounds feel welcome and able to succeed. Creating an inclusive and supportive environment remains central to our approach. Partnership is equally important.

By working alongside schools, charities, employers and local organisations, we are helping to address skills gaps while supporting inclusive economic growth. Collaboration ensures that what we deliver aligns closely with the needs of the region.

Proud to serve Scotland’s working lives

For many families, Borders College represents more than a place of study. It is a gateway to confidence, employment and lifelong learning. As Scotland looks to the future, we remain committed to opportunity, aspiration and community spirit for all.

We play a quiet but essential role in sustaining communities.

At the heart of opportunity for the Scottish Borders

Each year, we train the people who keep Scotland moving forward, from farmers and office administrators to fitness instructors, childcare professionals, health and social care workers, landscapers and horticulturists. Our reach extends into almost every sector of the economy, equipping individuals with the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to live and work successfully within the Borders and beyond.

Learner trust and satisfaction

With a 98% student satisfaction rate across our further and higher education courses, Borders College continues to demonstrate the high quality of teaching, support, and learning experiences we provide. This strong level of satisfaction is reflected in the number of students who choose to continue their studies with us or return to Borders College to progress their qualifications, highlighting the trust learners place in the College as they develop their skills and careers.

College. More than 25% of our full-time students studying at SCQF Levels 5 and 6 choose to enrol on one of our Landbased and rural skills courses, demonstrating the vital role these programmes play in supporting the rural economy and key industries across the region. From agriculture and animal care to horticulture and countryside skills, these courses equip students with the expertise needed to contribute to an essential and evolving sector.

Significant challenges

“98% student satisfaction rate”

Schools Academies growth

Our Schools Academies programme, delivered every Friday across all Borders College campuses, has also seen significant growth, with an 8% increase in participation. The programme provides school pupils with valuable opportunities to experience college learning, develop practical skills, and explore future career pathways while still completing their school education. Its continued expansion reflects strong partnerships with local schools and growing interest from young people looking to gain handson experience and industryrelevant knowledge.

Rural economy

Land-based education remains a key area of strength for the

Like many organisations, we face significant challenges. Continuing to provide the skilled workforce on which the region depends requires the collective support of the wider community. We are firmly committed to serving for the long term, but our future strength relies on partnership, advocacy and a shared belief in our value. By working together, we can ensure that a well-trained, homegrown workforce is recognised, supported and sustainably funded, securing long-term prosperity for generations to come.

There are many ways the community can help the College to thrive. When individuals and businesses choose Borders College graduates, whether employing a builder, hairdresser, childcare provider or caterer, they reinforce the impact of local training and investment. Each decision to support local talent strengthens both the individual and the wider regional economy.

skills and confidence they need to succeed. These opportunities enhance employability and encourage graduates to remain within the Borders, contributing their expertise to local industries and services.

Together, we make opportunity possible

Awareness also matters. When members of our community share our successes, promote our events or speak positively about our work, they extend our reach. A simple conversation or social media post can inspire someone to pursue new qualifications, retrain for a different career or consider hiring a local graduate.

Active participation strengthens our connection with the communities we serve. Attending open days, engaging in community events or acting as a College ambassador helps to build lasting relationships and deepen mutual understanding.

“Collaboration with employers remains vital”

Advocacy is essential when decisions about education and training are made within the Scottish Borders. Informed and engaged voices can make a meaningful difference. By speaking up in support of Borders College, our community helps safeguard continued investment in local learning and skills development.

Collaboration with employers remains vital. Through work placements, apprenticeships and practical learning experiences, we give students the real-world

Borders College is more than a place of education. It is a cornerstone of the region’s resilience and growth. I remain confident in our collective ability to secure a strong and sustainable future for the Scottish Borders, and I am proud to lead a college that is so deeply rooted in its community.

Pete Smith, Borders College Principal and CEO.

Students and staff celebrate success at Lantra awards

Borders College students and staff celebrated outstanding success at the Lantra Scotland ALBAS 2026 Awards, with multiple winners and runnersup recognised across several prestigious categories.

The awards celebrate excellence in Scotland’s land-based and aquaculture

sectors and highlight the achievements of learners, apprentices and mentors shaping the future of rural industries. Students were recognised for achievements in agriculture, modern apprenticeships, gamekeeping, horticulture, animal care and higher education. Staff success was also celebrated with recognition for mentoring and support within the sector. The results showcase the strength of the College’s land-based education and its commitment to developing skilled professionals for Scotland’s rural industries and future workforce.

Male lecturer Sam champions menopause awareness

A Borders College lecturer is helping to change the conversation around menopause by encouraging men to better understand and support the women in their lives and workplaces.

Inspired by his partner’s experience of perimenopause, he has created a humorous A to Z guide that explains menopause in a simple, accessible way for men. The approach uses humour to reduce awkwardness and encourage open discussion. As one of several trained Menopause Champions at the college, he also offers guidance and a supportive point of contact for colleagues

who want to learn more or seek support. Training delivered in partnership with Healthy Working Lives has increased awareness among male staff and managers. Borders College has also expanded its network of Menopause Champions, strengthening its commitment to wellbeing and equality, and reducing stigma around menopause.

Staff upskill in sustainable construction through fabric first training

Borders College is strengthening its commitment to low-carbon construction after two staff members completed the Fabric First Training Series delivered by Ecological Building Systems. Held across five sessions in Carlisle, the programme explored sustainable construction methods, combining technical knowledge with practical application. The training focused on building performance, retrofit solutions and ecological materials, helping enhance the College’s capacity to deliver high-quality learning in sustainable construction and support the transition to energy-efficient building practices.

Vision 2030 – our Vision for the future

Vision 2030 sets out Borders College’s ambition for the next five years. Shaped by students, staff and partners, it builds on strong foundations to move the College from very good to excellent. It focuses on transforming lives, strengthening skills for learners and businesses across the Scottish Borders, and delivering meaningful impact regionally and beyond.

Our mission

Our mission is to provide the highest quality learning experience and outcomes, to support business and drive economic growth in the Scottish Borders.

Vision 2030

Our College will ensure the people and businesses across the Scottish Borders have access to the breadth of learning and skills opportunities they need to raise aspirations, inspire entrepreneurship, enhance lives and drive economic growth.

Values

vision 2030

Respectful

We value everyone’s opinion and recognise that it may differ from our own. We will ensure opportunities to share alternative views in decision-making.

Peoplecentred

Our staff team are the heart of our College and our learners are the reason we are here. We believe that we are stronger when we work together and we believe that the opportunities our College offers should be available to all.

Our values represent our underpinning beliefs in who we are, how we want others to see us, and how we can ensure our learning delivery is most impactful and inspiring. Five ways that you can help Borders College

Champion local talent

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Responsible

We believe we must leave things better than we found them. We will ensure our decision-making takes into account the wider impact of our actions.

Choose Borders College graduates whenever you can – from your builder and hairdresser to your childcare provider or caterer. Every time you hire local talent, you’re supporting the College’s impact in the community.

Partner with us

Local businesses can work with Borders College to provide work placements, apprenticeships, and real-world training opportunities. These experiences help students gain confidence, build skills and stay employed within the Borders.

Spread the word

Tell your friends, family, and neighbours about the difference Borders College makes. Share our stories, successes, and events on social media. A simple post or conversation can inspire someone to learn a new skill – or hire a local graduate

Get involved

Join community events, open days, or become a College ambassador. Your presence and participation helps strengthen the bond between the College and the people it serves.

Advocate for continued funding

When decisions are made about education and training in the Scottish Borders, your voice matters.

Six-strategy roadmap to deliver ambitious Vision 2030

Borders College has unveiled a comprehensive set of strategies designed to strengthen learner success, support regional skills and fuel economic growth as part of its long-term Vision 2030 plan.

The Vision outlines a major shift toward aligning the curriculum with regional workforce needs, expanding support for positive learner destinations and increasing collaboration with local businesses to encourage innovation and commercial opportunities.

The College also reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability, setting a clear path toward achieving Net Zero by 2045. Investment in modern estates and advanced digital technology will underpin efforts to enhance learning and improve operational efficiency.

To deliver these goals, Borders College has published six interconnected strategies covering Skills and Enterprise, People, Digital and Data, Estates, Sustainability and Financial. Together, they provide a framework for implementing and measuring progress over the next five years.

to create an environment where people can thrive.

The Digital and Data Strategy outlines the College’s digital priorities and long-term ambitions, setting clear expectations for decision-

The Financial Strategy broadens revenue streams, improving cost efficiency and ensuring strong financial governance to maintain long-term stability.

Collectively, the strategies position Borders College to

making, investment and outcome measurement.

The central Skills and Enterprise Strategy places learners firmly at the centre of curriculum design, prioritising high-quality experiences, successful outcomes and clear pathways into employment or further study. Staff and learners will benefit from the new People Strategy, which reinforces the College’s commitment to a positive, values-driven culture based on respect, responsibility and people-centred practice. It aims

The Estates Strategy details the infrastructure challenges and our ambitious solutions, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and providing modern, safe and inspiring facilities. The plan marks the beginning of a wider redevelopment journey, including ambitions for a new rural learning campus in Newtown St Boswells.

The Sustainability Strategy sets out a long-term plan for reducing environmental impact, embedding sustainable practices across operations and working with employers to support green innovation. It aligns the College’s actions with national and sector Net Zero targets.

adapt, innovate and invest in ways that meet the evolving needs of learners, employers and local communities. With defined priorities and a longterm roadmap, the College aims to deliver lasting impact across the region.

The full set of strategies and Vision 2030 are available to view on the website by following the link below or scanning the QR code: www.borderscollege.ac.uk/ vision2030.

Scan the QR code

Borders College plays a pivotal role in the delivery of skills and learning in the Scottish Borders. We believe that clearly defined learning pathways are essential to developing and retaining talent and skills within the Borders, and we also work with higher education institutions to maximise those opportunities for learners.

College achieves major milestone in cutting greenhouse gas emissions

Borders College has achieved its target of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, reducing them from 806 tCO2e in 2014/15 to 374.67 tCO2e in 2024/25. Improvements across energy use, waste, water and travel contributed to the reduction. The College now aims for Net Zero by 2040, with further reductions planned by 2030.

Borders College: leading the way in student satisfaction

Borders College has achieved an outstanding 98% student satisfaction rate in the 2024–25 Student Satisfaction and Engagement Survey, published by the Scottish Funding Council. This places the College above the Scottish national average of 94% and highlights its position as one of Scotland’s topperforming institutions. The results reflect high-quality teaching, personalised support, and an inclusive learning environment. With more than 94,000 students surveyed across Scotland, Borders College continues to set the benchmark for excellence in further and higher education.

Strong foundations: what the Big Student Survey reveals about student induction

The Big Student Survey collected feedback from 126 students on their induction experience at the start of the 2025 academic year. Overall results indicate a positive and supportive start, with students reporting clear understanding of course expectations, timetables, and learning resources. Most felt confident using campus facilities, digital systems and online learning platforms. Strong relationships with staff and a welcoming atmosphere helped students feel supported and part of the College community. Students also reported feeling safe and comfortable asking for help.

A fresh chapter for Three Chimneys with Paul Green as Head Chef

A Borders College graduate has been appointed Head Chef at a renowned restaurant on the Isle of Skye. Originally from Edinburgh and raised in the Scottish Borders, he discovered his passion for cooking while studying at the College before developing his skills in professional kitchens across the UK. With more than 20 years’ experience, he has worked with leading chefs and has held senior roles at respected restaurants and hotels. His new role marks a return to the Skye restaurant where he first worked early in his career. He aims to continue its strong focus on sustainability and locally sourced Scottish ingredients.

Business and employers

At Borders College, we are proud to offer tailored support, guidance and training solutions for employers seeking to enhance employee skills, boost efficiency and make informed strategic decisions.

We collaborate with businesses and local organisations to create customised training packages that align with the evolving needs of the workforce. Using labour market insights, we design relevant courses to meet industry demands. Let us know your business goals and we’ll help you achieve sustainable growth.

Our engagement with the community and key stakeholders ensures our services remain aligned with real-world needs.

Our portfolio includes:

We partner with employers and organisations of all sizes – local and national – to deliver the training opportunities that drive productivity and success.

We provide a broad range of training options across multiple disciplines. Whether you’re a farmer in need of ATV instruction, a public sector body looking for digital skills development, an SME requiring personalised support or an individual wanting to connect

Apprenticeships and Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)

Skills for Life and Work

Employability Training

Leisure and Community Courses

Certificated Learning (including National 5 and Highers)

Commercial Short Courses

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

and learn, we have a course suited to your needs.

Our team of industry experts works closely with clients to identify the most effective learning pathways. Our extensive course portfolio spans numerous fields, such as: Business and Administration; Health, Social Care and Childcare; Photography; Astronomy; Languages; Management; Rural Skills; Construction and Retrofit; Green Skills; Manufacturing.

Please feel free to get in touch to see how we can support your business training needs.

Email: enquiries@ borderscollege.ac.uk

Borders College is a Great Place to Work!

And that’s official

Information for Future Students

Borders College is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the sixth year in a row. The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Borders College.

Great Place To Work® is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience and the leadership behaviours proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

You can sign up to our free job vacancy mailing list, as well as viewing the latest vacancies by visiting: www.borderscollege.ac.uk/jobs

Borders College can offer you the opportunity to study in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere with up-to-date learning spaces, technologies and great social spaces that will enhance your time at College and provide you with even more opportunities to grow.

If you choose to study at Borders College, you will have the very best learning experience. Visit: www.borderscollege.ac.uk/future-students.

FULL- AND PART-TIME COURSE AREAS

Agriculture

Animal Care

Art and Design

Beauty Therapy

Brickwork

Borders Care Career Academy

Business

Business and Enterprise

Business Management

Care

Carpentry and Joinery

Catering and Hospitality

Childcare

Childhood Practice

Civil Engineering

Coaching and Developing Sport

Computing Software Development

Computing with Digital Media

Construction and Engineering

Core Skills

Counselling

Countryside and Environmental

Management

Cyber Security

E-Sports and Digital Skills

Early Education and Childcare

Education Support Assistance

Electrical Engineering

Electrical Installation

Environment and Conservation

Gamekeeping

Gym Instruction

Hairdressing

Health and Social Care

Health Care

Health Care Practice

Horse Care

Horticulture

Hospitality, Events and Tourism

Landscaping

Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

Mixed Farming

Mountain Biking

Nursing, Access to

Painting and Decorating

Plumbing

Pre-Birth to Three Years

Prepare to Care

Professional Cookery

Project SEARCH

Race Horse Care

Rugby

Rural Skills

Skills for Learning and Work

Social Care

Social Services

Sport and Outdoor Activities

Supported Programmes

Mental Health (Level 1 Awareness)

Mental Health First Aid (Level 2)

Mental Health First Aid (Level 3

Supervising for Mental Health)

Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence

Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

APPRENTICESHIPS

Agriculture

Automotive - Light Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

Bricklaying

Business and Administration

Care Services Leadership and Management

Carpentry and Joinery

Providing Customer Services

Customer Service

Game and Wildlife Management

Healthcare Support (Clinical)

Healthcare Support (Non-Clinical)

Horticulture

Landscaping

Management

Mixed Farming

Painting and Decorating

Professional Cookery

Plumbing & Heating

Social Services and Healthcare

Social Services: Children and Young

People

Textile Manufacturing

Textile Technology

Youth Work

CERTIFICATE AND LEISURE COURSES

Astronomy and Astrophysics

British Sign Language – an Introduction

Christmas Craft Decorations

Creative Knitting for Beginners

Creative Writing for Beginners

Digital Photography

Elementary Food Hygiene (REHIS)

Elementary Health and Safety (REHIS)

Emergency First Aid at Work (REHIS)

Excel Level 1 and 2

First Aid at Work (2-Day

Requalification) (REHIS)

First Aid at Work (3-Day) (REHIS)

Floristry

Gardening in Any Space

Gas Initial Training (ACS)

Gas Re-assessment (ACS)

Guitar for Beginners

Introduction to Counselling

Holders (New Licence Holder)

Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence

Holders (Refresher)

Word Level 1 and 2

Yoga

LOW CARBON SKILLS

Domestic Retrofit – an Introduction

Electric Vehicle Charging (City & Guilds)

Heat Pump Installer (BPEC)

Heat Pump – an Introduction

Renewable Technology

Sustainable Construction and Ventilation

Understanding Domestic Retrofit

Unvented Hot Water (BPEC)

Water Byelaws (BPEC)

LAND-BASED

All Terrain Vehicles (ATV)

Animal Care

Brushcutting, Strimming & Garden

Machinery

Certificate of Competence in the Transport of Animals by Road (Short Journeys)

Fowl Play: Poultry for Beginners

Forestry Based Courses

Garden Machinery Operation and Maintenance