Support from local MP for ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign

The ‘Love our Colleges’ campaign highlights the vital role that colleges play in local communities and the economy, as well as the need for proper investment in the further education sector and fairer pay for FE staff.

According to research by the Association of Colleges, college funding nationally has dropped by around 30%, which has impacted on learning opportunities for young people and adults. Colleges are crucial in providing education and skills to boost local and regional economies, whether it’s through top-class technical education, basic skills or lifelong learning.

Leading the campaign is the Association of Colleges (AoC), National Union of Students (NUS), Association of College and School Leaders (ASCL), University and Colleges Union (UCU), Unison, GMB, TUC and National Education Union (NEU).

David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges, said: “Every single day colleges like Boston College provide a world class education and transform the lives of millions of people.”
He added, “Colleges Week is an opportunity to celebrate the brilliant things that go on and a chance to showcase the brilliant staff that make it possible. It is simple, if we want a world-class education system then we need to properly invest in it.”

Colleges across the country are taking the opportunity to support the campaign by hosting events to showcase the brilliant work they do in transforming people’s lives.
Activities taking place during Colleges Week include a national lobby of Parliament on Wednesday 17th October, which will see college principals, staff and students attending to further amplify the message. The ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign is calling on the government to increase funding for 16-19-year-olds by 5% a year for the next five years. It is also asking the Department for Education to provide exceptional funding, ring-fenced for teacher pay.

Jo Maher, Chief Executive and Principal of Boston College is attending the lobbying event in Parliament with Local Conservative MP, Matt Warman, in support of the ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign.

Jo Maher said, “Boston College is proud of its long history of high performance and we believe that after such a significant period of funding cuts, and low staff pay within further education, it’s time that changes are made. Colleges need to be recognised for their vocational excellence with fair funding and pay across the education sector and it’s great to have the support of our local MP on this important campaign.”

Matt Warman MP added, “Since my election in 2015, I’ve worked closely with our local leaders in education to raise aspiration and outcomes for our young people. Boston College has played a crucial role in providing options particularly in vocational courses, and will be leading the way with its new Engineering, Manufacturing and Technology centre due for completion this time next year. I am very aware of the vital role our Further Education sector plays in widening opportunities to access education locally and am committed to getting them their fair share of funding.”

For more information and to find out how to support the campaign, visit collegesweek.co.uk