'Courses must stay following merger'

Concerns as college to be transferred to another group

- Sentinel Reporter

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

Leek College is set to be transferred from the University of Derby to Newcastle and Stafford College Group (NSCG) over the summer, 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 want assurances courses will not be reduced at Leek, particularly in relation to the 'historic and valued' Leek School of Art.