Forth Valley College considers closure of Alloa site as three campus model 'no longer financially viable'

Staff jobs at Forth Valley College could be at risk following an announcement it is considering the closure of its campus in Alloa.

The college, which also has campuses in Falkirk and Stirling, said the closure could be needed to secure the future of the institution amid funding pressures.

Staff at the campus have been informed but the college has not yet confirmed how many staff could be affected.

In a statement, the college said its three-campus model was “no longer financially sustainable” under the current Grant-in-Aid funding received from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and following a 10 per cent credit reduction since the 2023/24 session.

A final decision on the plans for the Alloa campus is due to be made at a Forth Valley College Board of Management meeting on September 26.

Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “It is with great regret that I have to announce that we are having to consider some significant changes regarding our three-campus estate and in particular, our Alloa Campus. I want to emphasise that no final decisions have been made at this stage.

“This follows months of dedicated effort, during which we have explored multiple possible options to secure a positive outcome.

Forth Valley College has announced its Alloa campus is under threat amid funding cuts | Google Maps

“However, the College’s current financial position - driven by continued flat cash funding, rising staff and maintenance costs, and a reduction in credit delivery - has left us with no choice but to explore a range of options. These steps are being taken to safeguard the long-term financial sustainability of the entire college."

He said the college is committed to finding the “best possible” solution but said the situation was “incredibly difficult”.

“We fully understand how unsettling this news will be, particularly the uncertainty for staff and students based at Alloa and for the wider local community in Clackmannanshire,” he continued.

The statement said the college had undertaken an analysis of the costs of each campus - and the Alloa campus had been identified for cut backs.

Options currently being explored include the sale and leaseback of the building, retaining ownership and leaseback of parts of the building, or selling part or all of the campus.

A spokesperson for Colleges Scotland said: “Real-terms government investment in colleges has fallen by 17 per cent since 2021-22, during a period of soaring inflation, increasing staff costs and higher energy prices. This situation has led to many college leaders facing difficult, and often unpalatable, choices.

“Colleges Scotland has long called for sustainable and equitable investment into colleges so they can continue to act as Scotland's skills engines, lift people out of poverty, and remain as a strong anchors in our local communities.

“We need a step-change in the approach to college funding at the next Scottish Government Budget if we are to harness the power of colleges for the benefit of Scotland, and avoid losing opportunities for our people and places, now and in the future.”

GMB Scotland, the biggest union for support staff at Forth Valley College, criticised the Scottish Government for failing to properly invest in further education and said staff had been “locked out” of discussions surrounding the plans.

Keir Greenaway, a senior organiser, said: “The threatened closure of a valued college campus must sound the alarm over funding across further education.

“Every possible option must be considered but the college falsely suggests staff have been consulted prior to this announcement.”

Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, said: “Education is devolved to the Scottish Government, and the SNP cannot simply pass the buck.

“Colleges in Scotland have seen flat cash settlements for years now with no adjustments for inflation or rising costs.“ This is what abandonment looks like.”

The news is a fresh blow to Scotland’s education sector. In August, it was revealed Edinburgh Napier university is facing up to 70 job losses to slash costs, while The University of Edinburgh also announced potential staffing cuts.