Weymouth College is working with the FE Commissioner to ensure the best interests of local students and employers continue to be met.
The College, which is now in the Top 10% of UK colleges based on latest success rates, has been experiencing financial pressures. In March 2014 Dr David Collins, the FE Commissioner conducted a review of the College’s financial position, during which he praised Weymouth College for the progress it is making, commenting;
“Weymouth College is to be congratulated on the recent progress it has made in developing the curriculum and improving the quality of provision for learners. The rise in student numbers, funding methodology changes and increasing demands on the budget have given rise to some financial problems, the resolution of which is the focus of my visit. I am sure that the plans that are currently being put in place will chart a clear way forward for the benefit of students and staff alike.”
In August the College, which employs over 500 staff, entered a period of consultation over potential redundancies that may affect up to 21 full-time equivalent posts at all levels of the organisation.
As part of the ongoing recovery programme the College will now work with the FE Commissioner and his advisers on a Structure and Prospects Appraisal, which begins on September 26thand runs until the end of December, to determine the most appropriate way forward to secure improvement and meet the needs of the community. The process will consider all future options for students, employers and local stakeholders.
College Principal Liz Myles commented: “Both the management and Governors of the college are fully engaged with the Commissioner and his team and remain fully committed to building on improvements that are already under way.”
These are challenging times for the College, which has seen impressive improvements in performance, earning it a ranking in the UK’s Top 20 colleges based on latest success rates, while dealing with mounting financial pressures.
College Vice-Principal Nigel Evans said: “We remain committed to placing the interests and needs of students at the heart of what we do. We are striving to reach a balance between offering a wide range of course and making sure that there are enough students on a course to make it a rich and rewarding learning experience, as well as financially viable.”
Dan Brember
