The FE commissioner’s review into Askham Bryan College has concluded that the Newton Rigg campus should close, it has been announced.
Education and training at the campus will cease from July 2021 due to financial viability and a transfer of ownership was expected to take place at the beginning of the 2021-22 academic year.
However, a statement from the college said a buyer had not been found, and the FE commissioner had told the college to continue to seek one.
Background: FE commissioner to review ‘unviable’ college site
Gavin Williamson: Colleges ‘at the heart of Covid recovery’
Richard Atkins: ‘I am more optimistic now than when I started’
The statement said: “The final element of the further education commissioner (FEC)-led Newton Rigg strategic review has concluded that it had been unable to identify an organisation to continue delivering sustainable land-based education at the Newton Rigg Campus, and that should continue with finding a buyer for the site.
“The review identified that most provision currently delivered at Newton Rigg can be provided in Cumbria by other post-16 FE providers. In addition, other arrangements to ensure the continuity of land-based provision in the area are being developed.”
Job losses as land-based college campus closes
Currently, there are 536 learners based at Newton Rigg - 440 further education students and 96 apprentices - along with 117 staff.
Tim Whitaker, chief executive officer and principal of Askham Bryan College, said: “We understand the strength of feeling for Newton Rigg among our students, staff and the local and wider community, and regret the upset that the campus closure and job losses will cause. We will continue to support our students and staff during this difficult time.”
He continued: “While it was very disappointing that the strategic review didn’t receive a sustainable option for Newton Rigg campus, we welcome the plans for the preservation of land-based provision in Cumbria. We will support and work with those involved in these plans, to ensure that current students and future applicants interested in land-based courses have a smooth transition.”
“We have always been clear that Askham Bryan College would not deliver educational provision at Newton Rigg campus from July 2021, advising our students, staff and local community when the governing body made its final decision in July 2020. The strategic review has been a separate, comprehensive process that we have fully supported.”
