Bicton College in possible merger talks

Bicton College is discussing a potential merger to secure its long term future, The Exeter Daily can reveal today. The move follows a review undertaken by the government’s Further Education Commissioner, Dr David Collins, after financial issues were raised by the Skills Funding Agency. Minister for Skills and Enterprise, Matthew Hancock, has written to college Principal, David Henley, outlining his concerns. In his letter, Mr Hancock says: “As you are aware, in light of inadequate judgement for financial health by the Skills Funding Agency, I decided that the FE Commissioner should review the position of your college in line with the intervention policy set out in Rigour and Responsiveness in Skills (April 2013). “The FE Commissioner’s assessment concluded that the college has taken steps to improve its financial situation after a period of poor financial health and controls. “The college has made some important changes to its governing body membership and has ensured it has the necessary financial skills and experience in its Senior Management Team.” Mr Hancock goes on to say: “It is important that the college continues to improve its governance and leadership arrangements, in particular establishing a separate Finance and Resources Committee to scrutinize the college’s financial performance. “The FE Commissioner’s own assessment also concluded that the college cannot continue to operate on its own. This conclusion concurs with the findings from the recent independent report by Landex (Land Based Colleges Aspiring to Excellence) commissioned by the college into its short to medium term viability. "The FE Commissioner concluded that there was a continued need for a land-based provision in the area and that provision – in some form – should continue.” The college issued the following statement: “Following the FE Commissioner’s review of Bicton College, The Board of Governors is confident, and has reported positive long term objectives and financial planning for the establishment. “The recommendation of the FE Commissioner that Bicton College should seek a strong partner has already been acted upon by the present senior management team and a number of conversations with potential partners have already been held to determine the level of interest that might exist for a collaborative solution. “Bicton College’s teaching standard has been praised by Inspectors for offering quality ‘teaching, learning and assessment outcomes’ and it is pleased to report strong student numbers for the 2014 intake. “The FE Commission has officially recognised the importance of the College and notes its vital role in the provision of land based teaching in what is one of the country’s most important farming areas. A dedicated team of staff are steering the organisation with careful diligence. “Given this, Bicton College continues to deliver excellence for its students and is firmly focused on its long term future.” Bicton College faced the possibility of closure in 2010 because of £3m of debt, a situation Mr Henley successfully turned around.