Research by BiGGAR Economics has found that every £1 of public funding invested in the institution – based in one of the most deprived areas of Scotland – has generated £7 in economic and social value.

The college generated £85.4 million in operational impact, £63.7 million in wellbeing benefits, £27 million in the social value of qualifications, and £17.8 million in wage premiums as learners moved into employment or higher-paid roles.

Of the wellbeing impact, £50.5 million relates to lifetime gains for students who may otherwise have remained out of work or education.

Courses aligned to national skills shortages – including engineering, construction, health and social care, digital and low-carbon technologies – generated £27 million in social value, while apprenticeships and vocational qualifications delivered an estimated £17.8 million uplift in wages for former students. 

Around 100,000 people in north-east Glasgow live in areas classed among the 20% most deprived, with more than half (58%) of local data zones falling into that bracket. Some 40.5% of Glasgow Kelvin College’s students come from Scotland’s most deprived postcodes, compared with a sector average of 23.5%.

Joanna Campbell, principal of Glasgow Kelvin College, said: “This report shows how Kelvin is the best-placed institution to help mobilise a hidden workforce. We are proud that our institution provides a bridge for people in north-east Glasgow, helping them move from economic deprivation into the skills needed by today’s employers. 

“Every day, we step up to the challenges we face by serving communities with some of the highest levels of deprivation in Scotland, and in doing so deliver a significant return for both Scotland’s economy and its society. Colleges are a solution to the biggest challenges our country faces, not a cost to be managed.

“North-east Glasgow has a young population with incredible talent and potential, yet it has some of the lowest levels of wellbeing and highest levels of economic inactivity in the country. Everything we do is driven by our mission to unlock this hidden workforce and break the cycle of poverty, unemployment and poor mental health.

“Beyond the classroom, we’re working with employers and schools through apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeship programmes and tailored partnerships that help businesses fill critical skills gaps.”

The figures arrive as Scotland’s college sector warns of deepening financial pressures. Audit Scotland has reported a near 20% real-terms fall in funding since 2021/22, alongside falling student numbers and growing deficits.

Last year the college delivered 3,839 community learning programmes and 1,921 non-accredited courses across 32 community learning centres. Its youth hubs were recognised for helping reduce street incidents and diverting young people away from the criminal justice system and towards education and training.

Bob Doris, MSP for Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, said: “Glasgow Kelvin College provide an excellent educational experience for many of my constituents and are responding positively to the skills needs of businesses within our city and beyond.

“This new report demonstrates the wider value of Glasgow Kelvin College to our economy. It also makes clear their success in improving educational attainment and providing a pathway to employment for many learners from lower income areas. I commend both staff and students at Glasgow Kelvin College for their ongoing efforts, commitment and success.”