Mission Accepted
As one of the largest and most successful colleges in the country, we understand the pressures and limitations of public funding. However, we also recognise that the further education sector is rich in experience, innovation, and common sense—key drivers in delivering Labour’s five national priority missions.
Like colleges across the sector, we are eager to work in partnership with the Government to help achieve these missions. We believe that a few simple policy and administrative changes—requiring little or no additional cost—could have a significant impact.
Further, we call upon the Treasury to NOT CUT SKILLS FUNDING and REMOVE VAT FOR FURHER EDUCATION. Please.
By maximising available funding, reducing inefficiencies, and ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed, we can support Labour’s ambitions to kickstart economic growth, make Britain a clean energy superpower, build an NHS fit for the future, make our streets safer, and break down barriers to opportunity.
Read our Group Principal & CEO, Gerry McDonald CBE’s comments on skills funding here:
Our Key Messages
1. Skills for our labour market and economy.
To kickstart economic growth, we need to focus on meeting the needs of learners rather than red tape initiatives and funding cuts. Adult skills initiatives and funding streams are too complex and incoherent. To break down barriers to opportunity, the government must empower colleges with the freedom to deliver the skills their communities and local economies need.
Read our Group Principal & CEO, Gerry McDonald CBE’s comments on skills funding here. (link to aoc blog when published 27 / 2)
2. Fair funding and VAT.
A growing economy requires sustained investment in skills. While we appreciate recent funding awards and the Skills Minister’s recognition of colleges, we need long-term, fair funding to support both 16-19 students and adult learners.
Colleges must be valued as highly as schools to ensure we build an NHS fit for the future, equip people with the skills for Britain’s clean energy leadership, and support safer, stronger communities.
The Treasury must address the unfair VAT treatment of colleges, aligning them with schools and other public sector organisations.
Other public bodies benefit from the VAT refund scheme—colleges do not.
Considering that only 38% of 16-18 year-olds study in schools, this rule simply does not add up.
New City College CEO and Group Principal Gerry McDonald CBE looks into the very real financial impact of this:
VAT in FE: Why something is just not quite… | Association of Colleges
3. Trust us.
We need policy makers to have faith in the FE sector and to understand the true value of colleges.
We need policy makers to work with us and to visit their local FE campus to fully understand our context, our learners and the communities we serve. For too long policies have been made in the dark.
Trust us. We are experts in what we do.
Read our New City College Policy Asks here:
One College Group, Many Successes
Join us in the celebration by reading a few of our proudest moments and successes in 2024.
Kickstart
the economy.
Day One - Mission One
The right investment in education and training opportunities will allow colleges to maximise their role in driving the UK’s economy to new heights.
Colleges deliver the skills development needed to drive the UK’s economy forward.
By providing training that aligns with the evolving needs of the labour market, we can contribute to kickstarting the economy.
With a focus on skills that match industry demand, colleges help people reach their potential, boosting productivity and creating the foundations for economic success.
New City College supports over 10,000 adults each year to get new skills and develop new skills to contribute to the labour market. That’s on top of the 10,000 school leavers who take their first step into employment after leaving us.
Become a green energy superpower.
Day Two - Mission Two
With greater investment in green skills, colleges will be essential in turning the vision of a sustainable, low-carbon economy into a reality.
Colleges have a critical role in powering the UK’s green agenda. From renewable energy technologies to sustainable construction practices, colleges are developing the next generation of workers with the skills needed to make the UK a clean energy superpower.
New City College is investing in green energy labs – industry standard training facilities for people to learn how to install air source heat pumps and solar panels, and to maintain EV cars. That’s important! Our work has been recognised with a national Green Gown award, and shortlisted for the international award. NCC wins top national award for creating green skills curriculum | New City College
By partnering with industry and embracing innovative training solutions, we ensure that learners are prepared to tackle the challenges of a greener future.
Take back
our streets.
Day Three - Mission Three
With proper support, colleges can continue to nurture responsible citizens and provide crucial training for those working on the front lines of public safety.
A safer, stronger society begins with the right training and opportunities for individuals. Colleges help foster safer communities by providing learners with the skills in law enforcement, social work, and community services.
We also offer education that prevents crime, promotes rehabilitation, and supports youth engagement. By investing in these pathways, colleges are directly contributing to Labour’s mission of making our streets safer for everyone.
Crucially, colleges also develop ALL our students to be the best role models in our communities.
Break down barriers to opportunity.
Day Four - Mission Four
With proper funding and a focus on equity, colleges will continue to be the gateways to opportunity, enabling people to transform their lives and contribute to a fairer society.
Education has the power to break down the barriers that prevent people from reaching their full potential.
Colleges are committed to creating pathways for individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring that no one is left behind. Whether through adult learning, vocational training, or targeted support for underrepresented groups, we are driving Labour's mission of breaking down barriers to opportunity.
Build an NHS
fit for the future.
Day Five - Mission Five
With the right investment in education and training, colleges can continue to provide the workforce necessary to meet the challenges of the future.
In the UK, 1.3 million people work for the NHS, covering 350 career paths.
The future of the NHS relies on the skills of its workforce, and colleges are vital in ensuring that workforce is ready.
Whether it’s through training nurses, healthcare assistants, advanced practitioners, or other critical roles, such as physiotherapists, radiographers, and mental health professionals, colleges are delivering the skilled workforce needed to sustain and grow the NHS.
But healthcare doesn’t end with clinical roles. Colleges also play a crucial part in training IT professionals and cyber security experts who are vital for advancing digital healthcare. As the NHS increasingly relies on technology, professionals skilled in IT, computing, and coding are essential to developing and maintaining the digital infrastructure that supports patient care.