Support your local College!

A ‘Week of Activity’ campaign has been launched to highlight the urgent need for proper investment in the further education (FE) sector, along with fairer pay for staff.

Further education colleges across the country pave the way between young people becoming young adults and providing a platform for success in the transition from school to college to university. Brooklands College, rated ‘Good by Ofsted in a 2017 inspection, provides a welcoming and safe learning environment, situated on picturesque grounds at the Weybridge campus whilst also providing specialist facilities at its Ashford campus.

The campaign, launched by the Association of Colleges, calls on the Government to ensure the sustainability of the FE sector by increasing the 16-19 funding rate by 5% a year for the next five years. 266 colleges in England provide a range of further education and training to 2.2 million people each year. Colleges across the country will be taking part by holding events and getting involved in spreading the word, also actively encouraging students, staff and the general public to show their support by speaking with their local MP.

Over a ten year period, between 2009 and 2019, the funding for colleges has been cut by around 30% and has led to fewer direct contact teaching hours and support for young people and a drastic reduction in the number of learning opportunities for adult learners wishing to develop or learn new skills.

The cut in funding has had a significant impact on the recruitment and retention of lecturers within the FE sector, with the value of staff pay falling by over 20% since 2009. College lecturers earn £7,000 less on average per year than school teachers.

Colleges are crucial in providing the skills to boost local and regional economies. Join us in calling for additional funding for the further education sector to recruit and retain more specialist teachers and support staff, effectively implement technical education reforms, maintain academic standards and support all students to develop their English and maths skills.

Please pledge your support for this campaign, using the hashtag #LoveOurColleges.

Developing the next generation of bricklayers, hairdressers and chefs, you can also support Brooklands College by supporting our students in gaining first-hand experience of clients, by booking an appointment with one of our Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy students, or reserving a table and having a delicious meal in Brooks Restaurant.