New strategic plan is Bringing Learning to Life at NESCol

November 3, 2025

North East Scotland College has outlined ambitious plans for the next five years with the launch of the NESCol Strategic Plan 2025-30.

The institution is one of the largest providers of vocational education and training in Scotland, delivering to more than 20,000 full-time, part-time and online learning students each year. It serves an area covering more than 2,500 square miles and directly supports more than 1,200 businesses.

The College operates from its main Aberdeen Altens, Aberdeen City and Fraserburgh campuses as well as the Scottish Maritime Academy in Peterhead. The Altens Campus incorporates the Energy Transition Sills Hub, officially opened in September to drive the North East’s net zero ambitions.

The NESCol Strategic Plan 2025-30 is built around five main pillars: who we are; why we are here; what we stand for; where we are going; how we’ll get there. It also outlines five clearly defined strategic objectives and links to six sub-strategies designed to help deliver on those aims.

NESCol Principal and Chief Executive Neil Cowie said: “The launch marks the beginning of a crucial chapter in our College’s story. Now the hard work really begins, as our College community and partners set about turning these ambitions into reality for all those we work with and for in the region. I’m driven by what we can continue to build together.

“The new strategic plan and sub-strategies are the culmination of a truly collaborative project. Colleagues from all corners of the College, Regional Board members, students and stakeholders have made vital contributions as we set the direction of travel we will follow over the next five years. The aim was to reflect the voice of all who played a part in their co-creation – and that shines through.”

NESCol has demonstrated its ability to adapt in the face of increasing financial pressures in the Scottish college sector. It has among the highest attainment rates and satisfaction levels for full-time students in the country and is a finalist in two categories of this year’s CDN College Awards.

Neil Cowie added: “We have been very deliberate in taking a new approach to strategic planning and the end result is a main document and supporting sub-strategies that are clear, concise and relatable.  They also underline our ambitions for NESCol and for the region we serve as an anchor institution – the College has a vital role to play and we are in a period of tremendous opportunity.

“The energy, dedication and innovation of colleagues in every area of our operations, of our students and our valued partners is what will drive us forward and underpin our success. We look forward for delivering on behalf of all those we serve in the North East and beyond.”

The NESCol Strategic Plan 2025-30 carries the College’s new brand tagline: Bringing Learning to Life. It will provide the cornerstone for internal and external promotion over the next five years and is designed to emphasise what sets NESCol apart: engaging and innovative facilities and skilled, passionate staff with experience and knowledge to share. The tagline is accompanied by a new look and feel for the College’s marketing collateral and corporate material.

Download the NESCol Strategic Plan and sub-strategies at https://www.nescol.ac.uk/about-nescol/why-nescol/who-we-are/.