The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has initiated interventions at two large colleges because of concerns over quality and financial health.

Cornwall College has received a notice of concern for failing to meet the SFA’s standards for financial health, while Tower Hamlets College in East London faces an intervention for not reaching the minimum standards required for post-19 or apprenticeship provision.

In total, there are 57 FE providers that have fallen below standards in line with the SFA’s approach to intervention for financial health, financial control, inspections and minimum standards. 

‘Action plan in place’

A spokesperson for the SFA said: “A college will be issued with a notice of concern as soon as the SFA has identified that it has fallen below standards... This could be in relation to financial health, financial control, Ofsted judgement or minimum standards.”

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets College said: “The college was expecting this notice by the SFA. It is a legacy issue dating back to 2013-14 and relates to less than 1 per cent of our student enrolments, specifically outcomes for apprentices. The college has already taken action, implementing an action plan to improve apprenticeship provision and outcomes. We are predicting improved outcomes for learners as a result of this. We have not had a visit from the FE Commissioner, nor are we expecting one.”

Cornwall College was not available for comment.

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