There is what the tabloids sometimes rather sensationally refer to as a shake-up underway in the post-16 education system. Actually there are reviews taking place to be carried out in phases across the Country of what provision is in place for providing education and training opportunities to the 16 – 19 age group.
On Friday I went to visit Holy Cross College in Bury and was able to discuss the review with their principal David Frost. As readers may know Holy Cross is classed as a Sixth Form College and I joined the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sixth Form Colleges in Westminster so I can try to keep abreast of all the issues which arise and affect institutions like Holy Cross.
Locally there are consultations proceeding about a tie up between Bury College and Bolton University but Holy Cross is very likely to remain with its present structure. Holy Cross already has a great reputation locally for giving people the opportunity to study for University degrees.
I also met some of the Holy Cross politics students during my visit and took part in a question and answer session.
David Nuttall 