LifeSkills college in Basildon has gone into administration after funding from the government’s Education Skills Funding Agency was cut at very short notice. A demonstration of 50 staff, learners and their families took place on 14 October – the day of closure.
These colleges cater mainly for learners not well served by other providers. 14 staff and more than 150 learners, most who had just started courses, have been abandoned.
Student Kaydee said they have been told no other courses are available until next September. Dedicated staff are angry, frustrated that their learners have been let down, and obviously fearful for their jobs.
With colleges all over the country, 80 staff and over 500 learners are affected. Without alternative funding, there is no clear future for the college.
- Messages of support to [email protected]
Chris Huggins, Basildon Socialist Party
