A COLLEGE has vowed to “respond robustly” to the Government’s post-16 education review after unions voiced fears it could lead to closures and mergers.

Last week, the Government recognised the “critical role” further education institutions play in economic growth but said major reforms were needed amid significant financial pressures.

A nationwide review of colleges is expected to begin in the autumn, with ministers indicating a move towards “fewer, often larger, more resilient and efficient providers.”

In a statement the Government added: “We expect this to enable greater specialisation, creating institutions that are genuine centres of expertise.”

However, college and union leaders fear this could make it harder for people to access further education.

Natalie Davison, principal and chief executive of Bishop Auckland College in County Durham, said the reviews came on the back of cuts to the adult skills budget and were a major concern for colleges across the UK.

She said: “Whilst mergers might, in some cases, yield efficiencies through economies of scale, unfortunately there is currently little evidence about the impact of mergers or whether larger colleges are consistently better in terms of either financial health, quality or responsiveness to employers.

“We will respond robustly to the area-based reviews, fighting to improve the employment prospects of the communities we serve in South Durham.”

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman added: “Nothing is more important than investing in the education and training of our young people. This is why the last Labour government invested in state of the art facilities in a new Bishop Auckland College.

“Cutting courses would be a betrayal and as industry has pointed out access and practical travel distances? are vital for those who combine apprenticeships with class based learning.”

A spokesperson from the University and College Union said: “Mergers and college sites being forced to close could make getting to college much harder for people. We should be making it easier for people to access college whether it is to brush up on their skills or learn new ones.

“We will be responding to the government’s consultation on the future of our colleges and would encourage more people to respond as well and set out how important their local college is.”

The Government statement said any re-structures would need to maintain “broad universal access to high quality education and training from age 16 upwards for students of all abilities including those with special educational needs and disabilities.”

It can be read in full at gov.uk/government/publications/post-16-education-and-training-institutions-review