Fife College, now celebrating our 125^th year, serves over 20,000 students and 1,000 staff across five campuses. We offer a wide range of courses, from starter courses and apprenticeships to HNC/HND and degree pathways, with flexible study options. This includes industry-relevant training and development opportunities for a range of organisations across the country, ensuring they maintain an edge in a competitive environment.

Our strong links with local industries support one of the largest Modern Apprenticeship programmes in Scotland, and we provide over 550 degree progression routes through partnerships with universities nationwide. These links also see us continuously adapt to the latest educational trends and technological advancements, maintaining our key role in Scotland’s educational landscape.

Our vision is to be the best-performing large community college in Scotland by 2029, delivering opportunities that develop students’ full potential and equipping them with life-enhancing skills, knowledge, and resilience. We aim to achieve this through being an accelerator for jobs, economic growth, and maximising the potential of the community.

Fife College Opens New Dunfermline City Campus

Fife College has officially opened the doors of its new Dunfermline City Campus, welcoming students, staff, and visitors to Scotland’s first net-zero-ready tertiary education building.

The opening marks a major milestone for education and sustainable construction in Scotland, bringing together state-of-the-art facilities, innovative design, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The multi-million-pound development replaces the College’s former Halbeath Campus and forms part of the wider Dunfermline Learning Campus – a shared site that also includes St Columba’s RC High School and Woodmill High School. Together, the institutions form a first-rate learning environment that will serve Fife’s communities for generations to come.

As a pathfinder project for the Scottish Government’s Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard, sustainability has been integral to the campus from the outset. Verified as Scotland’s first net-zero-ready tertiary education building, the Dunfermline City Campus has achieved an embodied carbon footprint of just 560kg CO₂e/m² for its main Teaching Building, outperforming its 650kg CO₂e/m² target. Across the three new buildings, the total footprint stands at 601kg CO₂e/m² – setting a benchmark for low-carbon design in the education sector.

To deliver these results, the project team adopted a range of innovative construction techniques, including the use of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) floor planks and ‘Delta Beams’ fabricated from 95% recycled steel. This combination significantly reduced the amount of concrete required across the superstructure and foundations, cutting embodied carbon by around 20% compared with conventional builds. Re-usable packaging systems were also trialled, eliminating more than two tonnes of waste, while off-site fabrication streamlined installation and reduced material excess.

In keeping with the project’s sustainability goals, the interior has been completed with an environmentally responsible fit-out delivered by furniture specialists Wagstaff. A significant proportion of existing furniture from the College’s previous campus has been re-purposed, including classroom tables, chairs, and soft seating, many of which have been re-upholstered and refreshed to complement the new design.

For new furnishings, Wagstaff worked with manufacturers recognised for their environmental credentials, using sustainable or recycled materials and suppliers such as Sedus – a company on track to achieve CO₂-neutral production this year. This combined approach has reduced waste, cut embodied carbon, and created a modern, inspiring environment for learning and collaboration.

Jim Metcalfe, Principal of Fife College, said:

“This campus will not only transform the educational experience for our students and communities, it also demonstrates how collaboration and innovation can deliver meaningful progress towards net zero.”

Fife College’s new Dunfermline City Campus represents a once-in-a-generation investment in education and sustainability – a place where innovation, learning, and community come together under one roof.

Fife College and Verdancy Group Support Fife Communities with Fully-Funded Retrofit Workshop

In response to rising energy costs and the growing need for sustainability, Fife College, in collaboration with The Verdancy Group, has launched the fully funded two-day Domestic Retrofit in Practice course.

The hands-on workshop has been designed to drive energy efficiency and sustainability within Fife’s communities. Funded by the Edinburgh & South-East Scotland City Region Deal, the course is free to eligible participants living or working in Fife.

With sessions already underway, the Domestic Retrofit in Practice workshop offers energy advisors, community champions, and sustainability advocates invaluable skills and knowledge to retrofit homes for energy efficiency, helping communities reduce household bills, lower carbon footprints, and drive positive ecological and economic impact.

Held monthly at the College’s Dunfermline and Levenmouth campuses, each session covers essential aspects of energy-efficient home retrofitting, from insulation and airtightness to renewable technologies. This technical training supports stronger, more resilient communities by connecting individuals committed to sustainability, creating a network of like-minded local leaders equipped to create change across Fife.

By reducing energy waste and introducing renewable technologies, the workshop promotes long-term environmental sustainability, while also addressing pressing issues like fuel poverty, helping residents save on energy costs. At a time when households are looking for ways to mitigate the impact of rising energy prices, this course offers immediate solutions.

Aishling, O’Sullivan, Academic & Quality Manager in Construction Craft & Low Carbon Transitions at Fife College, spoke about the development of the programme:

“In Scotland, and across the UK, retrofitting isn’t something that’s as well-developed as it should be. So, we’ve been really keen to know how we can make it work for Fife, what the relevant skills gaps are, and to make sure that we’re developing our training and courses to be relevant to our local communities; supporting them in moving forward.”

Steven Kiakowski, Director at The Verdancy Group, discussed the Domestic Retrofit Workshop and its benefits:

“This workshop is about making a real difference for people in Fife. We know how tough rising energy costs are for families, and that’s why we’re committed to helping our communities find practical solutions. By learning how to retrofit homes, participants are gaining skills that can immediately lower energy bills and create warmer, more comfortable homes. It’s about giving people the tools they need to improve their lives and contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone.”

Places for the remaining workshops are still available, running monthly until March 2025. Our next Domestic Retrofit in Practice two-day workshop will take place on Friday, 25th, and Monday, 28th October, with a limited number of places still available.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of Fife’s drive towards a greener, more sustainable, and energy-efficient future. Register today and help your community lead the way in tackling climate change and reducing fuel poverty.

For more information and to book your place, visit: https://bit.ly/4eGibEA

Fife College student named Apprentice of the Year

Leah Stewart, a dedicated roofing apprentice from Kirkcaldy, has been awarded the title of BMI Redland Apprentice of the Year.

Leah, currently doing her apprenticeship at the College while learning on the job with Kirkcaldy-based employer Roof & Fibre, put her skills to the test over two days in the pitched roofing category of the prestigious competition.

Impressing the judges with her exemplary skills and versatility, Leah saw off competition from 20 fellow apprentices from across the UK to land the top prize. Described as an outstanding all-rounder, Leah’s ability to proficiently tackle challenges stood out among her peers, earning high praise from the panel of judges.

Leah’s achievement marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first female from Scotland to win the award. Her success also continues a winning streak for Fife College, following Mithril Roofing and Building apprentice Euan Forsyth from Kirkcaldy, who received the same award last year.

Leah said:

“My employer, Roof & Fibre, and the lecturers at Fife College provided invaluable support throughout my journey, as did the team at BMI Redland, who organised such an outstanding event.

“The competition was an incredible experience, and I was genuinely impressed by the skill and dedication of my fellow contestants. Winning this award is a tremendous honour and has only deepened my passion for roofing.

“I’m excited about the amazing opportunities this may bring for my future and am eager to continue growing in this industry.”

Brian Hutton, Leah’s lecturer, said:

“Leah has shown exceptional commitment and talent throughout her apprenticeship. Her ability to excel in both practical and theoretical aspects of roofing is truly commendable.

“This award is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and dedication. We are incredibly proud of her success and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive in her career.”

In addition to the prestigious title, Leah received a cheque for £1,000 and lifetime training opportunities at the BMI Training Academy, reflecting BMI’s commitment to supporting the professional development of young talents in the roofing sector.

This year’s BMI Apprentice of the Year award winners were announced at a ceremony held at the Cotswold Water Park Hotel attended by prominent roofing figures. The competition, a flagship event in the roofing industry, not only recognises exceptional talent but also promotes excellence and innovation within the field.

More information about apprenticeship opportunities in Fife can be found here. 

Jim Metcalfe
Principal

James Thomson
Vice Principal

Dennis Savage
Assistant Principal

Diane Mitchell
Assistant Principal

Iain Hawker
Assistant Principal

Lindsey Chisolm
Assistant Principal

Sarah Jane Linton
Vice Principal

Vicki Anton
Assistant Principal

Wendy Brymer
Assistant Principal