Council call for assurances as college is set for transfer

COUNCILLORS say it is vital that courses are retained once a town's college moves to a different provider.

- By Phil Corrigan

Leek College is set to be transferred from the University of Derby to Newcastle and Stafford College Group (NSCG) over the summer, in order to align with the government's place-based education and skills policy.

Elected members at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council broadly welcomed the plans, noting the 'excellent track record' of NSCG.

But they have called for assurances that courses will not be reduced at Leek College, particularly in relation to the 'historic and valued' Leek School of Art.

Councillors also raised concerns over the current lack of public transport between the Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle.

They passed a full council motion calling on the council's leaders to discuss these issues with NSCG.