European Funded Projects

Europe and Scotland social fund logo

Over recent years SQA has managed and been a partner in ESF projects funded through Priority 3 (lifelong learning) and Theme I in the Equal Community Initiative. These have enabled the creation of new qualifications and support materials across a wide range of curriculum areas that are improving access to lifelong learning for Scotland's learners. Below is some background information on EU Structural Funds and some of the projects SQA has been involved in which have benefited from ESF funds.

EU Structural Funds

Over recent decades Scotland has benefited from billions of pounds in EU Structural Funds grants.

These have supported regional regeneration through support for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), and helping people into jobs.

Overall funding to Scotland from the Structural Funds will total around €820m in the period 2007-2013. This is roughly half the level of funding provided in the previous 2000-2006 round, and the eligibility rules for projects have been made much tougher.

However, this still adds up to a substantial amount of money, capable of making a real difference to Scotland's economy and society.

There are two Programmes for Lowlands and Uplands Scotland:

The European Social Fund (ESF) Programme aims to address social inequalities within and across regions by improving the general performance of the labour market, in particular in relation to marginalized groups.
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme is a vehicle for promoting the economic development and regeneration of defined areas within the Member states of the European Union.