College Funding Protest, David Hughes, Association of Colleges, Jazz FM Business Breakfast

College bosses are pessimistic about getting more cash in the “end of austerity” Budget this month. Most education funding has been protected over the last ten years, but colleges – which teach 16-18 year olds as well as post-school courses like vocational qualifications and evening classes – have seen a 30% drop. 

Thousands of students marched on Parliament yesterday to protest this, joined by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner and Lib Dem education spokesperson Layla Moran. David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, who appeared on yesterday’s Business Breakfast, says it was “fantastic”, and is pleased about reports that MPs on both sides of the house will be raising the issue. But he’s holding out for next year’s government spending review for revised funding from the Chancellor.