Colleges should be allowed to fail, say MPs

In a new report, the Commons public accounts committee warned that some weak colleges are being allowed to continue for too long, which has “potentially serious consequences” for students.

It calls for the Government to make clear how they will deal with those that are failing, and when they will step in. Students should also have more access to information which will help them decide what course to take.

The report examined the effectiveness and efficiency of the education system for 16 to 18-year-olds in England. It concludes that the rules for intervening in a failing college are clearer than those for school sixth forms, where action is at the discretion of councils.

But it also says: “There is a lack of clarity about when and how the Department for Education requires intervention in the event of failure.”