Paul Scully MP visit to Sutton College

Last week was National Colleges Week and we were delighted to have MP Paul Scully join us and celebrate the ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign. Taking in a tour of the various classes in progress at the time including English (ESOL) classes and creative classes in the Art studios, Paul was able to experience the breadth of opportunities available at Sutton College as well as learn more about the financial challenges we face.

The ‘Love Our Colleges’ campaign highlights the brilliant work that goes on in colleges nationwide and celebrate all the staff that help make it happen, whilst also calling on the government for better investment in colleges.

Over the last decade, colleges have had to deal with an average 30% funding cut, whilst costs have increased dramatically. This has resulted in a drastic drop in learning opportunities for adults. This situation is not sustainable and ultimately impacts upon students, businesses, communities and the wider economy. Colleges and college staff transform lives – they help people make the most of their talents and ambitions and drive social mobility; they help businesses improve productivity and drive economic growth; they are rooted in and committed to their communities and drive tolerance and well-being. They are an essential part of England’s education system – educating and training 2.2 million people every year.

At Sutton College we are honoured to deliver high quality teaching to the residents of Sutton and we are equally proud of the amazing achievements of our students. As a former Governor at Sutton College, Paul Scully is well aware of the important part we play in the community and said on Twitter:

“Always a pleasure to visit @suttoncollege. Really talented arts students as well as important job skills training. Looking forward to working on their funding concerns.”

If you would like to support Colleges calling for more investment, please sign the official petition here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/229744