Agenda item

To receive a presentation from the Principal of Epping Forest College, Penny Morgan, reviewing the strategic direction of the College, its vision for the future and its relationship with the community.

The Committee received a presentation from Mr B Page, Deputy Principal of Epping Forest College and Mr S Markham, Director of Fusion Project Management Limited regarding the work of Epping Forest College.

Mr B Page advised that the college had expanded its courses recently and were working in close partnership with external organisations to widen the educational experiences of its students. Currently, there were 1,783 students aged 16 to 18, 56 adult students, 253 on full cost courses and 188 apprentices.

Mr S Markham advised of future plans in regard to the college site. A proposal was being made for the creation of a Sports and Health and Well being facility, which would be built through a self funded scheme. The college required release of surplus assets to invest. The facility would have full community access.

The college had achieved financial stability, operating surpluses since 2010/11, current turnover was £14 million. A total capital investment of £3.9 million had been made since 2011 in enhancement of facilities for students. During the period 2014/16 colleges had experienced a cut in funding of 24%.

The Committee were advised of the Government national programme for area-based reviews of Post 16 education. Each review would take into account factors including local economic objectives and labour market needs, they would be led by a steering group of local stakeholders including chairs of governors, local authorities and commissioners from colleges. Reviews had started in September 2015 and would be completed in March 2017.

The Chairman thanked Mr R Page and Mr S Markham for their presentation and opened the meeting to members for questions.

(a)          Councillor K Angold-Stephens asked about the sale of the “middle site” within the college area, he added that this was sensitive to local opinion. It was understood that Essex County Council had indicated that they would like to build a primary school on this site.

Mr B Page replied that Essex County Council were known to be interested in this site, negotiations would need to take place with them before anything occurred. The college had been in favour of providing housing on the site to fund a health and wellbeing centre on the Lucton’s Field this site which would be open to the public.

(b)          Councillor D Wixley asked about the scale of assets, how long was it expected to take to finish?

Mr S Markham replied that sales would ensure self-financing, but each sale was a project which could take from 12-20 months to complete.

(c)          Councillor L Girling asked if there were any documents available for public scrutiny in regard to forthcoming development plans.

Mr B Page replied no document was ready for publication yet, as it was commercially sensitive. The college was willing to work with the local community, there would be a public meeting at the college, he added that any proposed development would need planning consent.

(d)          Councillor L Girling asked about the security of the college site as there were derelict buildings which were the scene of anti social behaviour.

Mr B Page advised that they had security on the college site at night, particularly the “middle site” which was vulnerable. He said that he wasn’t aware of a security issue at the college. They did not have the budget for maintaining the derelict buildings on site.

(e)          Councillor M Sartin asked how far were the college courses connected to obtaining a job?

Mr B Page replied that the college was in communication with business and industry, they were providing courses appropriate for employment needs.

(f)            Councillor B Surtees asked about the educational outcomes for college students.

Mr B Page replied that the college success rate in 2013/14 for exam results was 88%.

(g)          Councillor S Kane asked about the chances of full employment for college students.

Mr B Page replied that he did not know how many students left the college for permanent work, however they did have a good apprenticeship scheme and were the tenth in the country for success rate.

The Chairman thanked Mr B Page and Mr S Markham for their presentation and answering the Member questions.