Horology >>> College blames the Government >>>

04 july 2005

Published the 3rd July 2004 by: Epping Forest Guardian

College blames the Government...

EPPING Forest College has blamed "astronomical" increases in the cost of part-time courses on the Government.

Students who have until now enjoyed classes such as woodwork, music, painting and decorating and evening A-levels at subsidised rates have been shocked by the increase in the college's fees advertised for the next academic year.

Horology student Nick Dewey said: "I received a copy of the prospectus a few weeks ago. Fees for the horology course have gone from £180 to £720, that's 400 per cent astronomical. I was amazed. I just don't see how they can justify that. The course is the only one of its kind in south east England. People come from all over to attend. We had no warning."

Woodwork students have also threatened to stage a demonstration over a similar rise in the price of their tuition. But college principal David Butler said the matter was out of the college's hands.

He said: "The college very much regrets having to increase fees for part-time courses.

"Up until now the college has been able to subsidise some of its adult provision from money it receives for other purposes.

"This year, however, the Government reduction in funding for adult classes, 14 per cent for Epping Forest College, and the requirement to focus on specific courses, Skills for Life for example, mean that we can no longer afford to subsidise such courses."

He denied claims that the college was trying to drive away students on unprofitable courses.

Mr Butler said: "Colleges across the country are having to make the same difficult decisions.

"The increases in fees reflect the true cost of providing these courses and contain no element of profit."

The Government has prioritised funding for 16 to 18-year-olds, apprentices and anyone without basic skills or a Level 2 qualification.

Last November former Education Secretary Charles Clarke said: "The Government cannot and should not be expected to fund everything.

"Employers and students as personal beneficiaries should also contribute. That is not meant as a threat. It is simply the reality."

Since then the Learning and Skills Council has warned that the post-19 budget could be cut by up to ten per cent countrywide, equivalent to more than 300,000 adult places.

Mr Dewey said: "There just won't be a horology course next year. No one can afford to pay £720."

Mr Butler said: "If you feel strongly about this issue please contact your local MP or Ruth Kelly, Education Secretary, Westminster."

Article by: Tess McDermott (UK)

Published the 3rd July 2004 by: Epping Forest Guardian