andhave together agreed a funding uplift of 4.7 per cent to save
The college, which is one of just two institutions in England to offer residential courses to adults, will now be able tocontinue to offer that provision to West Yorkshire residents.
The deal will be a welcome relief to the college, which was being severelythreatened by the government’s decision to introduce aclawback threshold of 90 per cent for adult education funding- anincrease from 63 per cent last year.
Opinion:It’s one step forward and two back for adult education
More:FE funding clawback could lead to staff and course cuts
Background:West Midlands has no plans to claw back AEB funds
Last week,the West Midlands Combined Authority told Testhat itwill not be following the government’s clawbackdecisionfor its devolved budget and will instead seek to work with the colleges to understand any issues around delivery.
Spokespeople from West Yorkshire Combined Authority andSheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority told Testhat the authorities were committed to providing inclusive learning to people from all backgrounds and at all abilities.
Funding plan to save Northern College
A spokesperson for the West Yorkshire Combined Authority said: “Northern College provides an invaluable service to learners and we recognise the unique contribution it makes for the people and communities of Yorkshire.
“We have agreed with our colleagues in Sheffield City Region to carry forward a residential uplift of 4.7 per cent in 2021-22 to provide clarity and continuity for learners, many of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds and benefit enormously from the opportunities that residential courses provide.”
The collegehas been the subject of a government review and funding audit after claims of “errors” being made costing £1.2 million in 2018-19, and 2019-20.
The Education Skills and Funding Agency (ESFA) has asked interim FE commissionerFrances Wadsworthto undertake a diagnostic assessment, structure and prospect appraisal. This could leave the college with no option but to merge, and Tes understands that Barnsley College is being touted as a potential merger partner.
A Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority spokesperson said the authority was working with partners to “secure a sustainable future for the college.”
They said:“We value Northern College’s contribution as part ofSouthYorkshire’sadulteducation offer. We’re working withthe college and otherpartners, including West Yorkshire Combined Authority, toachievea positive outcomethrough the further education commissioner’s structure and prospects appraisal and to secure a sustainable future for the college.
“TheESFA hasconfirmed that the4.7 per centuplift for residential fundingwill remain in placefor 2021-22 and weare aligning our approachwith this decisionfor the first year of devolved funding. This will allow the college to continue offeringessentialresidential courses.
“We are committed to providing inclusive learning to people from all backgrounds and abilities. Residential courses offer opportunities to many people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and we will do everything we can to make sure this service can continue.”
Sue Pember, director of policy at Holex, said: “This decision from Sheffield City Region and West Yorkshireis welcome. However, it is hoped that all options are considered, including Northern College continuing to operate as a standalone charity, and it is not forced into a merger that compromises its core mission.”
