Delight as funding boosts places at RCAT

ROTHERHAM’S biggest college has been boosted by the news that funding for 16-18 year olds has been increased after an appeal to the Education Funding Agency.

Concerns were raised by Rotherham College of Arts and Technology’s that a new method of calculating funding would leave it short of funded places, but the college now has spaces for all the students who want to study with it.

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion had also taken up the college’s concerns. During Prime Minister’s Questions, she raised the matter with David Cameron, expressing her concerns about opportunities for young people in Rotherham.

The MP has since tweeted her delight that the college’s appeal resulted in additional places.

Principal and chief executive of RCAT, Gill Alton said: "We are delighted to have more places to offer, as the college has a huge range of opportunities for young people that will set them on the road to their goal in life.

“Last year, 86 per cent of our learners moved on into education or work, including 220 learners who went on to higher education.

“From the autumn, young people have to stay in education until they are 17, so being able to offer a college place to anyone who wants one is more vital than ever.”