£200m to Transform College Buildings

From September 2020, more than 180 further education institutes will receive a share of £200 million to allow them to begin immediate work to repair and refurbish their buildings and campuses, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced on Wednesday 19 August 2020.

The funding marks the latest step in the UK Government’s drive to overhaul further education and deliver the skilled workforce that is much needed by employers and the economy alike. Doing this will help with the Government’s plans to ‘level up’ skills and opportunities for more people throughout the country.

This cash boost forms part of a major £1.5 billion investment that will transform colleges over the next five years, with the initial investment being fast-tracked so colleges can kick-start work this year, meaning students and staff will benefit from it a year earlier than originally planned.

Gavin Williamson, Education Secretary, said: “We want to build a world class further education system which delivers for the whole nation, and a key part of this is ensuring colleges are fit for the future – with better facilities and brand-new buildings.

“It is brilliant news that more than 180 colleges will receive a share of £200 million so they can start immediate work to renovate buildings and facilities, with further funding being invested over the next 5 years.

“We want all students to continue to receive high-quality education and training, no matter where they grow up or what college they go to. Now more than ever, it is vital that colleges can support their students to gain the skills they need to progress and help the economy to recover and grow.”

The funding comes ahead of the publication of a White Paper this autumn in which plans will be set out to a build high-quality further education system that will provide skills that individuals, employers and the economy will need to grow and thrive in the future.

Work is under way to transform technical and vocational education and training in the England, including the introduction of new T Levels– high-quality technical courses equivalent to three A Levels – from September and working with employers to create more apprenticeship opportunities.

The government is also establishing a network of twenty Institutes of Technology. These are collaborations between universities, FE colleges, and leading employers. They will specialise in delivering high-quality higher technical education and training in STEM subjects, such as digital, advanced manufacturing and engineering. Backed by up to £290 million in capital funding to help provide cutting-edge industry standard facilities and kit, they will help deliver the skilled workforce employers need.

Later this year, the government will launch a second competition to ensure that all parts of England are covered by Institutes of Technology, so everyone has the chance to gain higher technical skills and help unlock growth across the country.

David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “Colleges will be pleased to see their individual allocations as they prepare to provide training, skills and education to over 2 million young people and adults next year. It will help them provide the facilities, advice, support, and high-quality teaching they deserve and need.

“This capital resource, for bringing building and digital infrastructure up to date is important but they will need to move quickly to spend this money. The college condition survey confirms that there has been underinvestment in the college estate in recent years so it is good news that the Treasury has allocated money for a five year programme to put this right and to ensure that future students and apprentices learn and train in world-leading environments.”

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