A COLLEGE has signed its own death warrant in the wake of a damning inspection.

It is expected that North Derbyshire Tertiary College will cease to exist, with its main site taken over by nearby Chesterfield College, subject to approval by the Department for Education and Skills David Hughes, executive director of Derbyshire Learning and Skills Council, said: “The governors agreed to propose to the LSC the dissolution of the college. It was a brave decision. All along, the governors have been determined to put the interests of the learners first and that is why they have taken this step.”

He said there will be a month-long public consultation, after which the local LSC is expected to agree to the dissolution of the college. Education Secretary Estelle Morris will make the final decision, although she is expected to follow the LSC’s advice.

The college is being run by Duncan Haywood, clerk to the governors, although the principal of another college is expected to take over within the next few weeks.

Derbyshire County Council, Chesterfield College, North Notts College and West Notts College will take over the eight outreach centres.

Chesterfield was among the colleges approached about a possible merger with North Derbyshire, but rejected the idea. Ian Murray, its principal, plans to expand the range of courses at the North Derbyshire site, particularly at level 2, so that there is more opportunity for progression from level 1.

Avoiding a merger deal will free Chesterfield of some of North Derbyshire’s financial liabilities, but it will face some hurdles as it attempts to absorb the staff.

“Staffing will need to be reviewed,” said Mr Murray.

In March, North Derbyshire, founded in 1991, was judgedby the Office for Standards in Education to be offering “inadequate provision”. Five of the nine curriculum areas and standards of management and leadership were assessed as “unsatisfactory”.

North Derbyshire had 8,591 students at the time of inspection, although many had already been advised not to return in September.

The LSC took on a central role at the college after the inspection report was published. It appointed two of its own people to the college corporation as the governors examined the options available.

North Derbyshire is one of a number of colleges to feel the heat after the introduction of the joint inspection system which is led by OFSTED, but also includes the scrutiny of the Adult Learning Inspectorate.