I have just received a copy of the Weymouth College ‘Community Newspaper’ which is impressive in its presentation and content. It demonstrates a new ethos and fresh appeal to prospective students looking for education and training opportunities in the area. Of particular interest are details of the re-introduction of AS/A-level programmes which have been sadly missed from the college provision. With possible links between BTEC and other vocational qualifications, it re-establishes the tertiary principle of the college set up in 1985. For the first 20 years of its existence it provided a full and successful programme of academic subjects alongside vocational qualifications.

Students of all ages could choose to study in a mature college atmosphere rather than continuing their education within a school environment. More recently, the academic programmes at the college have been allowed to deteriorate, culminating in the cancelling of all AS/A-level provision.

It is therefore very refreshing to hear that under the new management a beginning is being made to re-establish the traditional academic courses with the opportunity to link these with vocational programmes – best of both worlds.

In 2002 the relocation and major building works at the college were completed.

The new buildings provided modern, purpose-built accommodation for a wide range of vocational programmes together with a specialist centre for A/AS studies in the sciences and humanities. In particular, this provided opportunities for 16 to 19-year-old students but perhaps more importantly for mature students wishing to gain academic qualifications. It is good to see a start being made towards re-establishing this.

The re-designed college website is also impressive. They both herald the beginning of a new era for the college with enthusiasm and enterprise very apparent. Under the new management, the local community can anticipate the return of Weymouth College as a major centre of excellence in both academic and vocational education.

Malcolm Jacobs Ex-vice principal and acting principal, Weymouth College