Pictured: Geoff Russell, Chief Executive of the Skills
Funding Agency (centre) joins South Staffordshire College's Chief
Executive Principal, Graham Morley, (right) and Chair of Governors,
Ray Faulkner, (left) on the balcony of Rodbaston Hall
South Staffordshire College hosted a VIP recently when Geoff
Russell, Chief Executive of the Skills Funding Agency, visited its
Rodbaston Campus to see the results of a £3.5 million
investment programme.
Rodbaston Campus has completed a programme of rebuilding and
refurbishment to mark another milestone in South Staffordshire
College's aim to provide the best learning environment for its
students.
Chief Executive Principal Graham Morley and Chair of Governors
Ray Faulkner welcomed Mr Russell at the recently refurbished
Rodbaston Hall, which has undergone a transformation of interior
design and layout.
Mr Russell was given a tour of the College's brand new,
state-of-the-art Foster Learning Centre, where he spent time with
learners who told him they were enjoying studying at the most
successful college in Staffordshire.
After a visit to the College's Animal Zone, where learners gave
a short tour of the zoo, Mr Russell met with the College's Board
Members and Senior Leadership Team for a question and answer
session.
Mr Russell took time during his visit to get young people's
views on education and how the system could be improved to support
them further.
"I was very impressed with South Staffordshire College - the
facilities, the staff and most importantly the students. My visit
has provided me with vital feedback to help in the Skills Funding
Agency's mission to ensure that people and businesses can access
the skills training they need to succeed in playing their part in
society and in growing the economy", said Mr Russell.
Figures from the June Statistical First Release published by the
Data Service highlighted that South Staffordshire College achieved
the best success rates for 16 - 18 year olds in Staffordshire.
South Staffordshire College has recently received confirmation
from the Department for Education that it can establish an academy
for 14 - 19 year olds studying land-based, rural, environmental and
sustainability subjects at its Rodbaston Campus. The school, to be
established in direct response to parental and industry demand,
will be known as The Rural Enterprise Academy and will open in
September 2012.