STAFF at Darlington College have been warned the college faces significant cuts to its budget because of a funding shortfall.

Principal Kate Roe has told the 400-strong workforce that savings of around £1.8m must be made over the next 12 months.

She said the college’s finances were being squeezed because of deep cuts to public spending, particularly in the further education sector, with fewer 16-year olds leaving school and changes to the teaching of English and maths.

Over the past few years the college has relied on its reserves but it now needs to make the savings in order to match an anticipated drop in funding from the Education Funding Agency (EFA).

Because of the complex nature of funding streams for colleges, Ms Roe said it was difficult to predict the exact budget position but she wanted to be open with staff and plan for future savings.

She said: “We have to be realistic about our financial position and take the necessary steps now in order to grow the college in years ahead.

“These are very difficult times for the public sector and we all face unprecedented cuts.

“It’s very much business as usual and our focus remains on giving our students the best possible experience and ensure they get the right qualification and training for their chosen careers.

“Our students come first and foremost and always will but in line with many other public sector organisations we need to look at our costs and identify savings wherever possible.”

As well as funding from the EFA the college receives funding for teaching Higher Education and for adult skills and apprenticeships.

Darlington College is housed in a £34.5m campus that was opened in 2006 by the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

It is a vocational college that offers a wide range courses from more than 20 subject areas including health and social care, construction and building trades and teacher training.

The college caters for school leavers aged 16 to 19 as well as offering adult courses and apprenticeship opportunities.

Previously it was based on Cleveland Avenue before it moved into its state of the art campus on Haughton Road.