The use of management “hit squads” and mergers to shake up failing colleges is being considered by ministers under a pound;1.2 billion further education expansion scheme announced this week, writes Ian Nash.
Education Secretary Charles Clarke said the Government may employ tough tactics similar to those used in schools to tackle failure. His comments came as he unveiled the most radical reforms to FE for a decade at the annual meeting of the Association of Colleges in Birmingham.
Mr Clarke promised a record 19 per cent FE funding increase over three years with more freedom and flexibility for colleges to plan long-term. But, he said, he had to be sure that colleges getting the cash rose to the challenges. These include new 14-19 partnerships with schools to give a broad range of academic and vocational routes to higher education.
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