Cuts and reform a 'major challenge' for TCAT

It comes just days after Chris Scott, principal and chief executive of Telford College of Arts and Technology (TCAT), announced he was leaving the role with immediate affect prompted by the "massive changes" in the further education sector.

Councillor Shaun Davies, of Telford & Wrekin Council, said cuts and reforms by the Government would be a "major challenge" for TCAT.

Concerns for the college have also been raised by teaching union representatives concerning the proposed merge of the neighbouring Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, Shrewsbury College and New College in Telford.

Jean Evanson, NUT rep and Shropshire district secretary, raised concerns about the future of TCAT when the merger takes place.

At the moment the college is the only one in Telford offering more vocational courses, with New College and other local sixth forms specialising in traditional A-Levels.

Mrs Evanson worries that when the merger was complete, with Shrewsbury College offering the same courses as TCAT, the merger would be stronger than the single college.

She said: "There is a big concern in the role of TCAT in the merger.

"This is taking place because of the reduction in Government funding and we are worried about what impact that will have on jobs and the quality of educational provision."

A report from the Public Accounts Committee, which scrutinises public spending, warned that the financial state of the further education sector remains "deeply worrying".

It was announced earlier this year that a series of area reviews across England this year would decide how the sector would be restructured.

The Government says it wants "fewer, often larger, more resilient and and efficient providers".

But the NUS says merged colleges will mean more travel and expense for students, forcing many out.

Councillor Davies, cabinet member for neighbourhood and business, said: "The cuts and reforms to the college sector by this Government concerns me and may damage the future economic success of our borough together with reducing opportunities to our residents.

"I think that they clearly present a major challenge to the college.

"It is key to Telford & Wrekin's success that we have a strong vocational college in the town.

"Businesses who are in Telford, wish to grow in Telford and move to Telford say to me that a skilled workforce is critical to their decision to invest.

"Telford College has long been a strong college the staff there do a brilliant job for their learners."

Speaking on the merger, Mrs Evanson said: "There is a big concern in the role of TCAT in the merger.

"This is taking place because of the reduction in Government funding and we are worried about what impact that will have on jobs and the quality of educational provision."

Members of the public gathered to discuss proposals to merge the three colleges.

College managers held a public meeting at The Whitehouse Hotel in Wellington over proposals to merge Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, Shrewsbury College and New College in Telford.

Potential job losses, travel costs and the impact on courses were highlighted as concerns by teaching union representatives in response to the plans.