Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Northern College, Barnsley: Residential Provision

Monday 26 April 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Northern College in Barnsley underwent a diagnostic assessment by the Further Education Commissioner in February 2021.
  • A structure and prospects appraisal for Northern College commenced on 21 April 2021.
  • Representatives of the college governance are part of the steering group for the appraisal.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Education Local Government
Context

Northern College is a proud institution in Barnsley, providing education to disadvantaged learners. However, the college faces financial challenges.

Question

What steps he is taking to ensure the future sustainability of residential provision at Northern College in Barnsley?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

The Further Education Commissioner carried out a diagnostic assessment at Northern College in February, and a structure and prospects appraisal started this month on 21 April. A number of options are being considered to improve the college's financial position. We will continue to work with Sheffield City Region Mayoral Combined Authority and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, which will provide the majority of the college's funding from August 2021.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on retaining independence and residential provision

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Q2 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Education Local Government
Context

Northern College is financially on the brink and provides outstanding education to disadvantaged learners in Barnsley.

Question

I am grateful for the Minister's response. She will know that Northern College is one of Barnsley's proudest institutions—it provides an outstanding level of education and reaches disadvantaged learners—but financially it is on the brink. In respect of the Government's review, will the Minister commit to working closely with local stakeholders, so that together we can do everything we can to ensure that Northern College retains its independence and its residential provision?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

I have had many representations from MPs in the hon. Gentleman's area, not least my hon. Friend the Member for Penistone and Stocksbridge (Miriam Cates). As I said, the structure and prospects appraisal began on 21 April. Membership of the steering group includes representatives of the college governing body, the interim FE Commissioner, the deputy FE Commissioner, senior officers from the two combined authorities and the Education and Skills Funding Agency. The FE Commissioner's team has made contact with all local MPs and I have offered a call with all local MPs. We are committed to work in good faith to ensure that we look seriously at the options for Northern College.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on retaining independence and residential provision

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