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City College Welcomes Foster Report Recommendations
15 November 2005
The first ever comprehensive report on local colleges, which provide services to two thirds of 16-19 year olds and 3.5 million adults, praises colleges' outstanding work in serving their local communities but proposes a much strengthened focus on building the nation's skills.
Commenting on the report, City College Principal Ann Smith says:
'City College Brighton and Hove welcomes the recommendations in the Foster Report. The report challenges colleges to root out poor quality, listen more to their students and business customers, and do much more for their own workforce. We believe that we've already proven that our strategy is to meet those same challenges. City College is a very successful college and over the past few years we have consistently raised our quality standards, particularly in retention and achievement. Our recent Action for Business Colleges Award recognises the College's commitment to working with employers in up-skilling and re-skilling Brighton and Hove's workforce. Our main focus is to ensure that our students have the skills to take advantage of local employment opportunities.'
Dr John Brennan, Association of Colleges Chief Executive says:
'This report is thoughtful, perceptive and comprehensive - a reflection of the thorough and wide-ranging review which Sir Andrew has undertaken. It is a huge and welcome opportunity for colleges. Sir Andrew has affirmed just how important they are to this country's young people, adults and businesses. Colleges will welcome an even sharper focus on generating skills for employment, and a closer relationship with employers.But Foster also reflects the frustrations which so many colleges feel about the structures imposed on them, which often hinder rather than help our services to learners. These need to be unequivocally addressed. We also recognise that despite tremendous gains in the last few years, there is more to do on quality and that we need to be even more responsive to our learners and to business. And we are totally committed to doing more for our staff, although Government's constant demands for more learners at a lower price must impact on the cash we have available to reward them. We hope Government for its part will respond quickly and comprehensively to the challenges Foster has put forward in his report. Colleges want their energies freed up to allow them to respond rapidly to the skills revolution ahead.'
For further information, please call Brian Bell, Marketing Communications Officer, on 01273 667788 Ext. 488 or email bb1@ccb.ac.uk
About City College Brighton and Hove: Founded over 100 years ago, City College Brighton and Hove has become an international centre of excellence. Every year around 16,000 full and part time students, as well as many international and European students, choose City College as their education provider. Offering over 650 courses from basic level to pre-University level, City College is working with its partners to develop the workforce of the future.
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