Scotland's colleges offer a diverse curriculum - including vocational, further, and higher education - to a diverse range of people and communities.
With enrolments of around 418,695 in 2006-07, and a geographical coverage that extends from all the major towns and cities to remote rural areas such as the Shetland Isles, it is easy to see why the sector plays such an important role in the Government's lifelong learning and social inclusion agendas.
The sector as a whole is funded by the Scottish Funding Council, acting on behalf of the Scottish Ministers. Funding for year 2008-09 was £539.5 million, with an additional £91.8 million accouting for Capital investment in major new estates development. This will allow for significant improvements in the college learning and teaching environment.
Overall strategic direction for the sector is provided by the Lifelong Learning Directorate of the Scottish Government. This role is partially exercised through providing annual guidance to the funding council (see above). At the same time, Lifelong Learning liaises closely with bodies such as Scotland's Colleges, the Scottish Qualifications Authority, other UK government departments, and of course Scotland's colleges themselves to ensure that its policies remain both relevant and practical.