Further Education Estate 2025-07-21
2025-07-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Derby's oldest surviving locomotive roundhouse is now a cutting-edge learning environment for local young people, but the site is over capacity and requires expansion.
The oldest surviving locomotive roundhouse in Britain is in Derby, which now serves as a cutting-edge learning environment for construction skills. However, the site is at full capacity with 50% more space needed to increase its capacity in brickwork, carpentry, and joinery to address the shortage of skilled workers.
Applications to become construction technical excellence colleges closed on 4 July. We look forward to informing successful candidates in due course. In addition, £375 million of capital investment will be invested between 2026 and 2030 to support post-16 capacity to accommodate the additional learners entering the system.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm whether Derby college could become a CTEC or if the application was successful.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Exeter College and Exeter Maths School are rated outstanding by Ofsted but need capital investment to expand due to overcrowding.
In Exeter, we have two highly successful FE institutions: Exeter College is rated outstanding by Ofsted for meeting the skills needs of the area, while Exeter Maths School is also rated outstanding. Both colleges are struggling with capacity and require additional funding to expand their operations.
I join my hon. Friend in recognising the success of Exeter college and Exeter maths school, which are both outstanding. As he will know, the Government have announced capital funding to improve the condition of the estate and accommodate rising student numbers as we hope to replicate the success of these settings across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm whether Exeter college could become a CTEC or if he would meet with the Member to discuss support measures.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Lakes School sixth form near Windermere is in need of a rebuild due to its poor condition and historical significance as the site where Holocaust survivors were rehabilitated.
The sixth form of the Lakes school provides further education near Windermere but requires significant rebuilding. The site has historical importance, being where Holocaust survivors received rehabilitation. On the 80th anniversary of their arrival, will the Minister agree to meet me and local people to discuss a rebuild of the school with a memorial for the Windermere children?
Ensuring that schools and colleges have the resources and buildings that they need is key to our mission to break down barriers to opportunity and ensure that every child can succeed and thrive. As always, I am very happy to meet the hon. Gentleman.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm if a meeting will be scheduled or the specific steps towards rebuilding the school with a memorial.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Member suggests partnerships between construction companies and educational institutions to improve the college estate while preparing students for jobs in the industry.
Is it time to think outside traditional methods, such as through deals and partnerships with construction companies? This would give us the opportunity to improve the education and college estate while equipping people for future careers in construction or other fields. Partnerships could lead to innovative solutions.
The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right: the construction sector is fundamental to the UK economy. That is why the Government’s industrial strategy includes a construction sector deal. We have committed £625 million to supporting construction skills training, and that funding includes capital investment through the establishment of technical excellence colleges and the creation of an employer match funding pot worth £80 million.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the idea of new partnership models specifically mentioned by the Member.
Response accuracy