Luton’s troubled Barnfield College has been handed an inadequate grading by Ofsted after inspectors found it had “no key strengths”.

College governors’ board chair Robin Somerville described the damning result, published today, as “an unacceptable failure” and apologised to learners.

The report, which comes a year after FE Commissioner Dr David Collins was sent in following a Skills Funding Agency (SFA) assessment of inadequate for financial control at the college, found success and completion rates were too low, teaching in English and maths was “poor” and self-assessment was “unrealistic”.

It said: “The significant majority of teaching, learning and assessment requires improvement, or is inadequate. Learners make slow progress in lessons as a result of tutors’ poor planning for learning and insufficient attention to the needs of individual learners.”

The inspection, carried out on November 17, downgraded the college from a grade three, or requires improvement, rating issued in June 2012. But under the latest report’s provider strengths section, inspectors simply wrote “no key strengths”.

However, it added: “Success rate data are now more reliable than at any time during the past year, following a period in which a number of factors contributed to an over-inflation of the performance of the college.”

Mr Somerville said the corporation “fully accepts” the education watchdog’s findings. “This is an unacceptable failure by a significant majority of the previous management, governors and teaching staff,” he said.

“On behalf of the college, I have apologised to students for that failure. What was particularly worrying is the degree to which Ofsted inspectors found that management was overconfident in their assessment of quality, leading governors into a false sense of security.”

It is the latest in a series of blows for the college, which is due to submit plans to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to split from the federation of academies built up under former leader Sir Peter Birkett (pictured below right) from 2007.

Sir Peter was knighted for services to FE and the academy movement in 2012, but left the federation the following year having served as its founding director general. A government probe into Barnfield finances was later launched amid allegations including grade massaging.

The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and Education Funding Agency (EFA) both published critical findings of their investigations in February, with auditor KPMG having found the college had overclaimed more than £1m for provision which had never happened, leading to allegations of ghost learners.

The investigations found a “lack of oversight” by the governing body and improper use of college funds for Sir Peter’s pay-off, which included two lump sums not in his original contract and an Audi Q5 company car. No criminal charges were pressed.

Dr Collins recommended, in his findings published the following month, that at least half the governing body be replaced and revealed a “general feeling among all levels of the organisation that the college has been relatively neglected in the previous director general/CEO’s pursuit of attempting to grow the overall federation into a national business”.

Dame Jackie Fisher, former boss of Newcastle College Group (NCG), was appointed principal the month before Dr Collins’ report, staying until November, when she was replaced by Monica Box, who is due to step down in March for Tim Eyton-Jones, currently principal of John Ruskin College, to take over.

Mr Somerville said Ms Box had “already started the urgent and robust work to correct the failings identified by Ofsted.”

He added: “Tim has a track record of turning around John Ruskin College which, upon his arrival, was ‘inadequate’. The corporation has set as its goal to re-establish Barnfield’s previous outstanding provision for learners in Luton and the area. We have every confidence that Tim will succeed in that challenge.”

Mr Eyton-Jones also commented on the Ofsted blow, vowing to “work tirelessly” to “transform” the college with the promise of a management shake-up.

“The college will shortly be seeking inspirational and aspirational colleagues to join a new and refreshed senior management team as part of the College’s re-structure,” he said.

“We will be implementing a range of robust and established quality improvement models as well as some innovative initiatives to support the turnaround.”

Sir Peter said: “I am not sure how this has been allowed to happen and hope senior management have now put strategies in place to rectify the points raised in the report and I wish them well for the future.”

Dame Jackie declined to comment.

Scores of apprentices were facing an uncertain future over their jobs today following the collapse of parcel delivery firm City Link — just months after it picked up a national award for its training programme.

The company announced it went into administration on Christmas Eve and administrators Ernst and Young warned there would be “substantial” job cuts among its 2,727 staff, while a further 1,000 self-employed drivers and agency workers also expect to suffer.

City Link had 68 apprentices in October, and has trained 178 since 2012, but a spokesperson for Ernst and Young said he was unable to confirm how many apprentices the Coventry-based firm currently had, or whether they would lose their jobs.

The Skills Funding Agency (SFA), which awarded a £57,981 allocation to City Link as an employer provider in 2014/15, has vowed to support any learners affected.

It comes just months after the troubled firm picked up the Training & Apprentices Award at this year’s National Courier Awards. It came in recognition of the company’s commitment to developing the skills of young employees – from front-line staff through to potential managers. It has two training programmes – one in warehousing & distribution and the other in contact centre operations.

During their 12 months of on-the-job training each apprentice acquired “the skills necessary to pursue a career in the transport industry and work towards the nationally recognised NVQ,” according to City Link.

It also claimed to have made a “substantial investment in the scheme, writing all course materials and delivering the training in-house. The course is in line with standards set by awarding bodies”.

“From the first year’s intake alone 27 successfully completed an NVQ level three in leadership & management. Nine of these were later promoted into supervisory, team management and depot management roles,” according to the firm’s press release on the award.

However, a spokesperson for Ernst and Young said administrators had “begun directly informing the company’s employees on the administration and the potential for significant redundancies through a series of employee meetings across the City Link sites”.

He said: “The joint administrators believe that the company will unfortunately have to make substantial redundancies, which will take effect on December 31, 2014, as a result of the company being unable to continue trading and accept further parcels.

“The joint administrators will confirm the number of redundancies across City Link Limited’s sites when all employees have been informed over the coming days.”

He added any affected employees, across the firm’s 50-plus sites, would be offered appropriate advice on claiming redundancy and notice pay, and some workers would continue to be employed to help distribute an estimated 40,000 parcels still in the City Link depots.

An SFA spokesperson said: “We are aware of the announcement about redundancies at City Link. We will be working to ensure that if there are any apprentices affected they are supported to enable them to continue their learning.”

Are you a City Link learning provider? Or apprentice? Email news@feweek.co.uk to get into touch with an FE Week reporter.

The abolition of GCSEs in favour of tests at the age of 18 has been put forward by Confederation of British Industry (CBI) director general John Cridland.

His New Year message, released today, outlines a system of “tailored learning plans” for 14 to 18-year-olds, complemented by the “abolition of GCSEs at 16”.

“Britain’s young people are streetwise and impressive, but our education system doesn’t always serve them well,” said Mr Cridland.

“While the average is gently improving, we see too many left behind, and others who could be high achievers not fulfilling their potential. We need to get the basics right first time in primary school and then provide a personal menu of tailored learning plans for all 14 to 18-year-olds offering high quality academic and vocational A-levels, and encouraging young people to mix and match, depending on what’s right for them.

“This will involve the eventual abolition of GCSEs at 16, as peak level testing would then take place when students are 18.

“By boosting skills we will see productivity rise — along with earnings. And business will play its part by improving competitiveness, and creating opportunities for young people through apprenticeships, and for older workers through workplace retraining.”

The CBI argues that the case for examining at 16 is weakened with the raising of the participation age to 18 — “especially as it perpetuates the single-track, academic approach that weakens our vocational system,” said a CBI spokesperson.

“Instead, we want each young person to have a learning plan, tailored for them from 14 to 18, with the peak assessment taking place at 18. Everyone would do some form of English and maths, plus a mix of academic or vocational A-levels.”

Mr Cridland’s message comes with the countdown to the May 2015 general election well under way.

“A year of change and challenge beckons for us all as we hurtle towards the general election,” he said.

“It has been a successful year for the UK economy, and we have emerged stronger and more able to tackle the challenges ahead.

“Our economy is among those enjoying the fastest growth among the G7 nations, with 1.2 million jobs created this year and employment set to grow in every region of the UK in 2015.

“But the political and economic risks at home and abroad represent a clear and present danger. As the election countdown accelerates, I urge politicians of all hues not to take their eyes off the economic ball.

“We must sustain the best launch pad for the UK economy and our young people. Cementing Britain’s reputation in the world as one of the best places to do business has to be a top priority for 2015.”

He added: “There is much more to do but the signs are positive. UK growth is expected to hit 2.5 per cent in 2015.

“Restoring wage growth will help more people feel that they are benefitting from the recovery, but the upsurge in productivity required will only follow on from increasing skills across the piece.

“I’m optimistic that we can grow living standards, spread the benefit of growth for the country and move forwards with confidence if we make the right choices. Let’s get on with it.”

The author of a 2012 government-commissioned report aimed at boosting apprentice uptake among businesses is one of four FE and skills figures to have received a CBE in the New Year Honours list.

Jason Holt (pictured), chief executive of jewellery firm Holts Group, wrote Making Apprenticeships More Accessible to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and was honoured in the 2015 awards for services to the jewellery sector and apprenticeships.

His review, commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Education (DfE), contained 15 recommendations across three main areas relating to communication and raising awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships; empowerment and helping SMEs to get the best from their training providers; and, simplification of ownership and responsibility for the apprenticeships programme.

Mr Holt, an apprenticeship ambassador for the government and founder of Holts Academy, said: “This is an extraordinary honour and something I never thought would come my way. I have always felt as a business owner I needed to act — to do something about the skills gap in our sector.

“I’m always willing to help if I know that I can make a valuable contribution, and to be recognised for that in this way is very humbling.”

Former Skills Funding Agency interim chief executive Barbara Spicer (pictured above right), who completed her nine-month contract last month and is currently chief executive of Liverpool-based housing agency Plus Dane Group, also got a CBE, for services to education, learning and skills.

Ex-Bradford College principal and Association of Colleges 2013/14 president Michele Sutton OBE (pictured left) and Burton and South Derbyshire College principal Dawn Ward OBE (pictured below right) complete the sector’s CBE recipients with honours for services to FE [see full list of New Year Honours to people related to the FE and skills sector below].

Ms Ward told FE Week: “I feel deeply humbled by this award but recognise that this is a shared honour. It is shared with everyone that I have worked with and for those people over the years whose lives have touched mine.

“I’m extremely fortunate to lead an amazing college with highly dedicated, skilled and professional staff. A college full of talented and vibrant students who will help shape and create our future.

“I’m passionate about the impact further education has on so many peoples lives and very proud of the contribution FE plays in helping shape UKPLC. I’m  immensely proud to be part of this amazing sector.

“I’m indebted to the staff in FE who, when I started my studies, believed in me and my dreams and to my family, friends and colleagues who have encouraged and supported me over the years.”

Simon Rainer, chief executive of the British Jewellers’ Association said: “This honour is a fitting recognition of the enormous contribution that Jason has made to advancing the jewellery industry, both through his determination to ensure the sector had skills for the future and his determination to put apprenticeships on the maps.”

Services to skills development and to the food and drink industry earned Nestlé UK and Ireland chair and chief executive Fiona Marie Kendrick a damehood, while 10 OBEs were handed out to people related to the FE and skills sector, with half going to principals including the leader of the first general FE college to be rated as outstanding under Ofsted’s current Common Inspection Framework — Walsall College principal Jatinder Sharma (pictured left).

Among those from outside the college sector to have received the award was Sue Crowley (pictured below right), who was chair of the Institute for Learning from 2006 until its closure this year.

She was honoured for services to FE and teaching and told FE Week: “I’m really, really pleased. It is a lovely way to end my career [following the closure of IfL].

“I think the award recognised my long-term involvement with FE. I taught in the sector for 45 years before my time at IfL, so suppose that kind of justifies it.

“I see it as recognition for all the wonderful people I’ve worked with over the years and the amazing work that our sector does transforming lives through training.”

Rodney Bennion (pictured below left) also got an OBE, for services to construction training and the community in the South East in recognition of his work with the Construction Youth Trust (CYT).

He was chair of trustees for the charity, which helps young people to access training, education and employment opportunities in the construction industry, for a decade before standing down six months ago.

Christine Townley, executive director of CYT, said: “I’m delighted that Rodney has been recognised. He showed great dedication to the Trust over many years and really understands the needs of young people and the wider sector — in particular that training needs to be demand-led and prepare young people for roles that are actually required in construction. We’re really pleased for him.”

There were a dozen MBEs for the sector. Among the recipients was Celia Romain, whose public administration work as a higher executive officer at the DfE/BIS joint apprenticeships unit, was credited by a government spokesperson as having been “instrumental in the reform programme”.

“We are delighted that Celia has been awarded this well-deserved honour in recognition of her work on apprenticeships,” she added.

Beyond Standards director Nicky Perry (pictured right), who also got an MBE, for services to FE and training, said: “I’m surprised and very pleased by this honour — especially as it seems some good friends and clients went out of their way to put my name forward.”

Sheila Selwood, from the Association of Colleges (AoC) governors’ council and lately director of governance at West Hertfordshire College, is set to receive the MBE for services to FE.

Susan Pember, AoC governance adviser, said: “Sheila is an AoC national subject specialist in governance and has been an excellent clerk for many years and is now supporting several colleges to improve their governance arrangements.”

The honours were rounded off with BEMs, of which seven were related to FE and skills.

 

Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire

For services to skills development and to the food and drink industry

Fiona Marie Kendrick (Tadworth, Surrey), chair and chief executive, Nestlé UK and Ireland

 

Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

For services to education, learning and skills

Barbara Spicer (St Helens, Merseyside), lately interim chief executive, Skills Funding Agency

For services to FE

Michele Sutton OBE (Didsbury, Greater Manchester), lately principal and chief executive, Bradford College, and former president, Association of Colleges

Dawn Patricia Ward OBE (Birmingham, West Midlands), principal and chief executive, Burton and South Derbyshire College

For services to the jewellery sector and apprenticeships

Jason Holt (London), chief executive, Holts Group, and founder, Holts Academy

 

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

For services to FE

Colin Booth (Newton Aycliffe, Durham), principal, Barnsley College

Ian Clinton (Kendal, Cumbria), principal, Stockport College, and lately principal, Blackburn College

Jatinder Kumar Sharma (Wolverhampton, West Midlands), principal and chief executive, Walsall College

Frank Leslie Smith (Sheffield, South Yorkshire), chair of governing body, Chesterfield College

For services to FE and teaching

Sue Crowley (London), lately chair, Institute for Learning

For services to education

Maura Regan (Sedgefield, Durham), principal, Carmel College, and chief executive, Carmel Education Trust

For services to training and improvements

David Timothy Marsh (Neilston, Renfrewshire), offender outcomes unit manager, HM Prison Barlinnie

For services to construction training and the community in the South East

Rodney John Bennion (Ashtead, Surrey), lately chair of trustees, Construction Youth Trust

For services to agri-food education

Dr John Damien Fay (Downpatrick, Down), director, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise, Northern Ireland Executive

For services to FE in North East Wales

David Baden Jones (Ruthin, Clwyd), principal and chief executive, Coleg Cambria, and lately principal and chief executive, Deeside College

 

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

For services to FE

Sheila Selwood (Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire), lately director of governance, West Herts College, and member, Association of Colleges governors’ council

For services to FE and training

Nicky Perry (Banwell, North Somerset), director, Beyond Standards

For services to FE for adults with learning difficulties

Maryanne Hodgkinson (Buckley, Clwyd), head of arts, media and business administration, Derwen College

For services to skills training

Jean Duprez (London), senior manager, K&M McLoughlin Decorating Ltd, and Ambassador, London Chamber of Commerce

For services to education

Susan Jane Kirkham (Lymington, Hampshire), lately curriculum and assessment specialist, Association of School and College Leaders

Julie Ann McLean (Plymouth, Devon), director, work-based learning and school partnerships, City College Plymouth

For services to young people through the ICT apprentice scheme

Gail Ramsden (Lancing, West Sussex), senior officer, IT skills and capability manager, Valuation Office Agency

For services to apprenticeships in the chemical and process industries

George Ritchie (Peterlee, Durham), lately senior vice president, Sembcorp UK

For services to the hairdressing industry

Shirley Rose Davis-Fox (Mid Glamorgan), chair, ISA Training, Bridgend

For services to public administration

Celia Romain (London), higher executive officer, joint apprenticeships unit, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills & Department for Education

For services to FE in Northern Ireland

Celine McCartan (Omagh, Tyrone), deputy director, head of corporate and support services, South West College

For services to education in Northern Ireland

William James Greer (Banbridge, Down), Head, Training Organisation, South Eastern Regional College

British Empire Medal (BEM)

For services to education

James Jackson (London), head caretaker, Woodhouse College, London Borough of Barnet

For services to FE and to the community in Leicestershire

Anne Williams (Loughborough, Leicestershire), lately community development officer, Loughborough College, and borough councillor, Charnwood

For services to further and higher education and to the community in Cornwall

Alan Lemin (Millbrook, Cornwall), head of student recruitment, Plymouth College of Art

For services to prison education

Wendy Ann Sherlock (Watford, Hertfordshire), curriculum co-ordinator for further and higher learning, HM Prison The Mount

For services to horticulture and land-based education

Christopher James Willder (Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire), groundsperson, Brooksby Melton College

For services to adult education

Sharon Tinn (Ellesmere Port, Cheshire), learning in the community worker, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire

For services to education and training in the construction sector in Wales

Ann-Marie Smale (Ponthir, Gwent), director, Powell Dobson Architects

 

Are you in FE and skills sector and on the list for 2015? Send your comments to news@feweek.co.uk