Colleges to get millions of pounds to upgrade buildings

The huge cash injection is part of a national programme announced by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and will provide colleges with vital funds to revamp campuses.

Dudley College will get £2 million, Walsall and Sandwell colleges £1.6m each, Halesowen College £1m, while Wolverhampton College £977,000.

The cash is to be released as part of the Government's drive to improve education facilities across the country. More than £1.5bn is being pumped into further education and work to upgrade 180 colleges is set to begin from September.

The announcement was hailed by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who said the boost would help the region bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic.

Exact details of what the cash will be spent on have not been provided. Wolverhampton Council is currently in the process of trying to secure funding for a city centre Learning Quarter which will become the new home of its college.

Dudley College has also undergone rapid expansion over the last decade.

Mr Street said: “I am delighted with this announcement, as funding for further education colleges was a key part of my recent pitch to Government for investment to help our region bounce back post-Covid-19.

“Further education will play a crucial role as we recover from coronavirus, supporting students to gain the skills they need to find jobs and helping the economy to recover and grow.

“That means providing up-to-date, well-equipped facilities and revamping campuses. Our region is already leading the way with our approach to apprenticeships, and our brilliant universities will play an important part in our economic future.

"This week’s announcement ensures that further education colleges will also be better equipped to play their part in providing the skills our young people will need.”

The Mayor added: "Everyone knows the pandemic and the enforced shutdown has been hugely disruptive to education in the UK, and I am encouraged by the creation of a new taskforce to address universities’ concerns over admissions and capacity.

“This multi-million pound investment in further education is a welcome piece of good news as our schools, universities and colleges prepare for the new academic year.”

Mr Williamson 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.

“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.”