04 February 2011

Colleges Welcome Stability But Challenges Remain  

In a context of challenging budgets, ColegauCymru / CollegesWales has welcomed today’s announcement by the Welsh Assembly Government of three year funding allocations to further education colleges in Wales, which will bring a measure of stability to the sector.  

Core funding to further education (FE) colleges for the next academic year – 2011/12 - will reduce by 1.5% while additional funds to upskill adults and provide more Pathways to Apprenticeships will be maintained at the same level as this year. Adding all of the sums together means that the overall allocations to FE colleges will reduce by 1.4% next year.  

Chief Executive of ColegauCymru, John Graystone, said: “Colleges in Wales have had to manage a series of tough budget settlements over recent years. The funding for 2011/12, announced today, will again require creative leadership and further tightening of belts.  

“Together with the rest of the public sector, colleges had been expecting a tough funding settlement. Within that context, ColegauCymru is grateful that the Education Minister, Leighton Andrews, has listened to the concerns of colleges about the need for some stability in order to allow for greater strategic planning.  The Minister’s announcement of three year funding allocations and a review of the funding methodology are welcome.”  

In its annual report on the state of education in Wales, Estyn provided independent evidence that further education colleges are continuing to achieve well above the quality targets the Government has set for colleges. 91% of FE programmes have been judged to be good or outstanding. Estyn also judged colleges to offer good value for money.  

John Graystone concluded: “Wales’ colleges are recognised as good value and high quality institutions. Creative leaders and a drive to learn from best practice are key to their success. The funding allocations announced today will not be easy to manage but the degree of stability introduced through a three year funding settlement and the creativity and drive of colleges’ leaders and managers will ensure that high quality teaching and learning will be maintained.”  

----------------------------------Ends--------------------------------------

Contact: Sylvia Davies on 029 2052 8384 or 07968 771913.    

Notes to editors:

1.     ColegauCymru / CollegesWales is a national educational charity that represents all 21 further education (FE) colleges and institutions in Wales. Its mission is to raise the profile of further education with key decision-makers to improve opportunities for learners in Wales. For further information about ColegauCymru / CollegesWales, and the colleges it represents, visit www.colegaucymru.ac.uk or www.collegeswales.ac.uk

2.     The funding allocations to further education colleges were announced today, 4 Feb 2011, by the Welsh Assembly Government.