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MSPs back post-16 education reforms MSPs back post-16 education reforms
(35 minutes later)
Controversial legislation aimed at widening access to higher education has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.Controversial legislation aimed at widening access to higher education has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.
Opposition parties voted against the Post 16 Education bill after they accused the government of trying to interfere in how universities are run.Opposition parties voted against the Post 16 Education bill after they accused the government of trying to interfere in how universities are run.
Labour said calling the bill a dog's breakfast was unfair to the pet food industry.Labour said calling the bill a dog's breakfast was unfair to the pet food industry.
But ministers said the new law would help students from poorer backgrounds get a degree.But ministers said the new law would help students from poorer backgrounds get a degree.
The proposals, which were back by 65 votes to 51, are wide-ranging and include reforms to the way colleges and universities are run.The proposals, which were back by 65 votes to 51, are wide-ranging and include reforms to the way colleges and universities are run.
The bill will place arrangements to try to bring in more students from a wider range of backgrounds onto a statutory footing.The bill will place arrangements to try to bring in more students from a wider range of backgrounds onto a statutory footing.
'Skills and knowledge'
Education Secretary Michael Russell said: "Our universities and colleges have a strong track record and Scottish education has a proud history and reputation. The legislation passed by the parliament today builds on these strengths and sets a framework to ensure the sector continues to improve.
"For students the bill will deliver fairer access to university, with widening access agreements and new powers to determine priority groups. It also backs our college regionalisation programme which will ensure colleges equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for local jobs.
"This bill puts in place measures to improve governance, it will ensure twelve regional chairs for the college sector are appointed in a fair and transparent way and ensure equality is considered in governor appointments. It will help to deliver a system of post-16 education that is fit for the future and delivers for students and our economic future."
Some universities were concerned the details of how to do this could have interfered with their historic autonomy - but proposed amendments appear to have eased their worries.Some universities were concerned the details of how to do this could have interfered with their historic autonomy - but proposed amendments appear to have eased their worries.
In March, the Post-16 Education Bill was backed in principle by parliament at its first stage by 64 votes to 54. 'Particularly welcome'
Speaking then, Education Secretary Mike Russell said: "The clear message I am hearing from learners, staff and institutions is that the principles and policy objectives identified are the right ones." The University and College Union (UCU) said it had worked with the government and MSPs to ensure the bill was revised to increase involvement of staff of universities' governing bodies and to remove the government's power to intervene on what courses universities should run.
Welcoming the passage of the bill, UCU Scotland President Dave Anderson said: "It is vitally important that our universities remain free from government interference and will be properly scrutinised. We are pleased that the revised bill now ensures both these things will happen.
"The Cabinet Secretary's endorsement of our call for staff and student involvement in university governance is particularly welcome, and we look forward to seeing this included when the Governance Code is finally published.
"It is essential that staff are involved in developing the agreements on how universities will encourage applications and support more students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure widening access becomes a reality."