A REPORT has confirmed that thousands of students could not get a place at a Scottish college last year.
A Scottish Government analysis of just seven colleges shows that more than 6500 applicants could not get a place. The report also shows hundreds of these still had not found a college place in a subsequent follow-up survey.
The report contradicts statements made by Michael Russell, the Education Secretary, who dismissed waiting lists as a "false concept" when questioned about them by rival politicians.
Mr Russell said the fact numbers had reduced over time confirmed claims about waiting lists were wrong.
However, Hugh Henry, education spokesman for the Scottish Labour Party, said: "Even with this partial and superficial exercise, it still shows there are thousands of young Scots waiting to get a college place.
"For the SNP to argue that there is nothing of concern is beyond belief."
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