Exciting future for further education in Reading

Wednesday 16 September 2009

The three organisations responsible for shaping the future provision of further education in Reading – the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley University (TVU) – have assured students, their parents and the wider Reading community that an extensive high quality further education offering remains the highest priority.

TVU announced its 'in principle' decision to seek the transfer of governance of further education courses at the Reading campus in July this year. Since then the University has been engaged in significant discussions with the LSC and Reading Borough Council to decide on the process to secure world-class learning for current and potential students. Professor Peter John, Vice-Chancellor at TVU, said: 'In no way is the future provision of further education in Reading under threat. Courses will continue to run and new students are enrolling on a wide range of popular courses. Future transition arrangements will not impact on students.'

Bob Walding, area director for LSC Thames Valley, added: 'The three organisations are working closely together to identify a dynamic new partner. We are also consulting the local authorities throughout Berkshire as their input is crucial. This is a positive step forward as we aim to ensure a thriving and vibrant further education offer in Reading that will provide for significant numbers of students. It is vital that the successor body we select together can drive up the skills of individuals from all communities in and around Reading. Skills are the lifeblood of the local economy and our provision needs to match the skills that are needed in today's globally competitive marketplace.'

Reading Borough Council's lead councillor for education, Jon Hartley, said: 'We need to build on our success in secondary schools and ensure that students at TVU get a very high quality offer that is not disrupted in any way through this process of change. Our joint desire is that more people who live in Reading will take up the opportunity of further education and adult learning opportunities to help the continued economic growth in the Reading area.'