Derwentside College joins national fight for fair funding

Students and staff head to London to speak to MP's and lobby Parliament

Representatives from Derwentside College were among hundreds of staff and students gathered in Parliament on Wednesday 16 March, for a mass lobby in support of fair funding.

Colleges across the country are calling for an end to the 'grossly unjust' 10% funding gap between colleges and school sixth forms. They are also lobbying to protect adult learning. Government policy to move money away from colleges, from 2006 onwards, also means there will not be enough funding available for adults, leading to higher fees and course cuts. The college protesters will be joined by employers, unions, education experts and a wide range of supporters, from the WI to the TUC and the NUS to Help the Aged. They will highlight the fact that colleges have a central role in adult learning skills, as they are responsible for 4 million people in education and training after the age of 16.

David Houpt, Principal and Chief Executive of Derwentside College, said: "Closing the funding gap between school sixth forms and colleges would mean even better facilities in colleges and superior learning support. Derwentside College is taking part in the mass lobby because we also feel very strongly that adult learning should be protected. It is not fair that schools and universities should get priority funding. Adult learning is often a second chance for people to return to education after missing out when they were younger."

Delegates from Derwentside College, staff and students alike, are today heading to London for meetings with MPs, including Hilary Armstrong and Kevin Jones, about 'Bridging the Funding Gap', headed by David Houpt, who is a Champion Principal for the fair funding campaign. Along with him are Tony Edwards - Chair of the Board, Susan Errington - Director of Recruitment and Marketing, as well as some past and present students, including two former Adult Access into Higher Education students Robbie Mallows and Michael Ince, and current A Level students Sarah Jefferson and Thomas Watson. Along with the students are two community representatives, Carol Howden - Centre Manager, Bridge Enterprise Centre, Stanley and Lyndsay Mallabar - Project Coordinator, Learning Network, Stanley, as well as an Employer Representative - Peter Thompson, Staff Development Manager, Co Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust.

Dr John Brennan, Association of Colleges Chief Executive, said: "Colleges from across the country demand fair funding for older and younger students alike. The average college would gain £500,000 per year if the funding gap between school sixth forms and colleges were closed. In addition, current Government funding plans for adult learning would lead to fee rises above inflation, course cuts, fewer concessions for elder learners and less support for associated costs, such as childcare and transport."

Joining the debate, Barry Lovejoy, head of NATFHE's college's department, said: "Against all odds, our members teaching in further education colleges consistently perform daily miracles and transform the lives of thousands of working class people every year. We believe colleges' contribution to re-skilling the nation is vital. But the further education system is always at breaking point. Just think what could be achieved with adequate funding!"

17 March 2005