Northern College, one of only two adult residential colleges in the country, is to retain its independence, it has been announced.
The college was threatened with merger, owing to financial difficulties. However, it has now received ministerial approval to retain its independence. Earlier this year, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Sheffield City Region agreed a funding uplift to save Northern College. The college has also launched a range of new courses and is planning a “period of growth”, a statement, published today, said.
In a letter, apprenticeships and skills minister Gillian Keegan said the standalone vision reflected a collaborative model with potential to build on the strong stakeholder support for the unique provision that the college offered to adults across Sheffield City Region, West Yorkshire and beyond. “The college has a strong track record on quality, leadership, governance and widening participation which is recognised and acknowledged.”
News: Northern College faces ‘perfect storm’ over finances
Background: Combined authorities step in to save Northern College
More: FE funding clawback could lead to staff and course cuts
Principal Yultan Mellor said: “I am delighted to be able to tell everyone that Northern College has been given a huge stamp of approval. Following a FE commissioner led structure and prospects appraisal (SPA) process to review the work of the college and how we are funded, it has been confirmed that we will retain independence and continue to develop and deliver outstanding adult residential education for the communities of South and West Yorkshire, and beyond. I look forward to welcoming lots of students to our new offer from September.
“I would like to thank our close partners and stakeholders for their support and recognition, as well as our team who have been amazing throughout the process. And most of all, our students past and present whose stories about how they got here and what they went on to achieve always demonstrate the value of Northern College.’
College co-chairs Clive Macdonald and Bob Harrison said: “The governors are proud of our tradition and long history of providing adults with second chances at lifelong learning in a caring and supportive environment. Recognised by Ofsted as an outstanding provider, reaffirmed by local, regional and national agencies, Northern College remains a beacon of adult education. We must acknowledge the tremendous hard work of the principal and her staff during the SPA process, and the outcome is a vote of confidence in them and the future of the college.”
