THE Further Education Commissioner has praised Weymouth College for its financial plans.

The commissioner, Dr David Collins, was visiting the college as part of the Structures and Prospects Appraisal and was impressed with the actions taken to bring the budget back in to surplus.

Poor budget management had previously led to a severe financial deficit at the college.

Dr Collins is said to be ‘delighted with the progress that Weymouth College has made under its new leadership and management.’ College bosses welcomed the new appraisal from Dr Collins as a ‘vote of confidence’.

Dr Collins said of Weymouth College: “Its successful delivery for students is now being underpinned by a much improved financial performance. Staff are to be congratulated on what they have achieved.”

Management at the college have worked intensively since November to put together a strategy for the next academic year which retains a broad curriculum, but also strengthens the college’s finances following several years of deficit.

The past nine months have seen the college work to achieve savings of over £1m with tighter control of costs, efficiency improvements and improved procurement.

Acting principal Nigel Evans wants to see the college build on the financial improvements.

He said: “This is a real vote of confidence from the FE Commissioner in Weymouth College. We can now all look forward now to building on our strong foundations that have been laid this year and to the exciting new academic year ahead.”

Mr Evans wanted to thank those involved in the college for their support.

He said: “I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all Weymouth College staff and governors for their fantastic support and commitment since I took on the role of principal six months ago.”

Mr Evans took over at the college in November after a financial crisis and failures by previous leadership led to the suspension of principal Liz Myles.

Ms Myles was criticised for ‘ill considered’ strategic decisions which impacted on the finances that led Ofsted to rate the college as inadequate.

A follow-up inspection by Ofsted last month said the college was heading in the right direction.

Weymouth College will now be inspected again by Ofsted in June or July and will receive a new rating based on the progress it has made.

The college is holding a summer open day from 11am to 2pm on Saturday, June 27 and is inviting people to come along and see the work the college has done.