Annual Report 2010/11

The achievements of City College Plymouth students in 2010/11 place the College 1st in the South West and 5th nationally

City College Plymouth

2010/11 Annual Report

If you would find it easier to read this report in larger type or a different format, please call 01752 305300 or e-mail info@cityplym.ac.uk

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As the new Chair of Corporation it gives me great pleasure to introduce the 2010/11* Annual Report for City College Plymouth.

This year has been a mixture of challenge, success and innovation - with the College gaining outstanding results in many areas, moving us towards achieving wider recognition as one of the top colleges in the country.

The success of our students in all areas of the curriculum, and their extra-curricular achievements, demonstrates that City College Plymouth can hold its head high in both the local community, the South West region and nationally, and that the College’s total student experience and successful outcomes are incomparable. A recent student survey indicated that over 90% of our students rated the quality of their teaching and training experience at the College as good or better.

This feedback is reinforced by the College’s high attendance and retention rates. College students are our best ambassadors and, despite the removal of government financial support for disadvantaged young people (Education Maintenance Allowance), our 16 to 18 recruitment rate for 2011/12 has increased - defying the national trend.

The College’s estate has been significantly enhanced by a full refurbishment of the construction department, including a fully-equipped energy centre which concentrates on providing training in environmentally friendly construction practices, and renewable energy. In addition, our hospitality kitchens have been renovated and installed with ‘state-of-the-art’ equipment and a demonstration kitchen. These new facilities were christened by celebrity chefs, the Tanner Brothers. Our tower block at Kings Road has also received a long awaited ‘facelift’. This has improved its external appearance, and also significantly enhanced the working conditions inside for students and staff. In addition these renovations have helped reduce further the College’s carbon footprint.

At the time of writing, the College has learnt that it has been awarded a £1.5 million Enhanced Renewal Grant and £100,000 Renewal Grant by the Skills Funding Agency. The grants have been awarded to enable the College to further modernise its facilities and its estate.

The next phase of the College’s property strategy focuses on a £4.5 million refurbishment project for its engineering facilities. A state-of-the-art and inspiring learning environment will be created for September 2013, which meets the exacting BREEAM environmental standards for sustainable building design.

As the economic downturn continues to threaten income from the private sector and there is an expectation of more for less from the public sector, the College strives to overcome these challenges as it has done in 2010/11.

The appointment of a new Principal, and the continued success and achievement of our students as a direct result of the hard work and commitment of College staff, will - I believe - see the College come through this testing time with further success.

City College Plymouth aims to secure a key role in the educational, economic and environmental future of Plymouth, and embraces the ‘Positively Plymouth’ partnership. Most importantly, we will continue to develop the best possible learning experience for the variety of students who are proud to call City College Plymouth ‘their College’.

Gerry Cadogan Chair of Corporation

In a recent survey over

90% of our students rated the quality of their teaching and training experience at the College as good or better

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City College Plymouth has increased the success of its work-based learning provision - it is now

14%

above the sector average

As the newly appointed Principal at the College, it is a tremendous honour to take the helm of such a vibrant, successful and forward thinking institution. The College continues to play a significant role in delivering the skills which local and regional employers need in this continually changing economic environment.

2010/11 was a challenging year for a lot of organisations in both the public and private sectors. As a further education college we have had to deal with a very difficult funding environment. Simultaneously we have had to ensure that City College Plymouth continues to provide the best educational experience for our students, a relevant portfolio for the region’s business community and good value-for-money. Against this backdrop City College Plymouth has successfully: • increased the success of our work-based learning provision - it is now 14% above the sector average • increased the success of our traditional full-time post-16 provision - it is now well above the sector average and has significantly contributed to raising achievement rates in Plymouth • increased the impact of our provision to help reduce the number of young people in Plymouth classified as ‘not in education, employment or training’ (NEETs) • developed a portfolio with progression pathways, and with courses from foundation level to university and professional level

• extended our work with local and regional employers to ensure our courses support the business community and are relevant.

This year the College gained many external awards and accreditations including a successful Government Review of our higher education (university-level) provision and ‘Healthy FE College’ status by the Learning & Skills Improvement Service (LSIS). Further details can be found later in this report.

Additionally, City College Plymouth was the first further education college, outside of the pilot, to be awarded the Association of Colleges (AoC) Charter for International Education and Training. The success of our international work is evidenced by 26 of our international students who progressed from foundation degrees to the final year of undergraduate awards at Plymouth University were awarded first class honours degrees.

I do hope that the examples shown in this report give you a flavour of how diverse and inclusive the College is, and what an essential role the College plays in its community.

Moving forward, there are many challenges ahead of us, but there is no doubt that the College will continue to play a significant role in the cultural, social and economic development of the City and the wider region.

Phil Davies Principal

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Mission

Vision

Building a better Plymouth through the delivery of high quality education and training which will enhance students’ employability prospects, and which is responsive to the needs of our communities.

To be the South West’s leading provider of innovative, skills-based vocational education and training.

Students First The needs of our students come first and every student will be provided with opportunities to achieve their full potential within a safe, stimulating and supportive environment.

We bring a dynamic and refreshing approach to our relationships with employers, partners, statutory bodies and other providers in the local and other communities at all times demonstrating civic responsibility.

The achievements of our students and staff are celebrated and we treat others as we would wish to be treated.

Equality, diversity and integration, fair treatment, mutual respect, trust and openness are the rights of all.

We are professionally and financially sound, effective and efficient with a commitment to protecting the environment in a sustainable manner.

Creativity, enterprise, ownership and teamwork are hallmarks of our success.

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IQER Confidence in Higher Education (HE) - an external government review of the College’s university-level provision was carried out in 2011 and found some excellent examples of good practice, including the creation of a dedicated Faculty of Higher Education; a strong working relationship with Plymouth University and the wide involvement of student ambassadors in supporting new students.

The review identified “a positive and enthusiastic higher education ethos and identity and demonstrates the College's commitment to the standards and quality of its higher education provision.”

Source: Quality Assurance Agency’s Integrated Quality and Enhancement Review report, March 2011

AoC International Charter - we were the first further education college, outside of the pilot, to be awarded the Association of Colleges (AoC) Charter for International Education and Training. We have also been awarded Highly Trusted Status by the UK Border Agency for our recruitment of international students. We are continuing to develop links with institutions in China, Nepal, Korea and Vietnam.

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Korean Partnership - City College Plymouth was chosen as one of the first UK partner colleges to further the development of international vocational training links between Korea and the UK. This is the first time the Korean Government has sent students to the UK and is part of a sponsored Global Workplace Training Programme. City College Plymouth is one of only two UK colleges selected by the Korean Government to receive students.

Project Search - the College has successfully launched an internship programme for skills development students with Derriford Hospital. This has already resulted in five of the eight students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, finding employment.

Employer Endorsement Scheme - this scheme formalises our excellent relationships with local employers, enabling them to contribute to our curriculum design and for us to have guest lectures, workplace visits, work experience and even provide job opportunities for our students. In conjunction with our new employability centre, theworkspace, we are continuing to ensure that our students are work-ready from day one.

University Technical College (UTC) Lead Partner - in partnership with Plymouth City Council and Plymouth University, we have been successful in the Plymouth bid to establish a 14 to 19 technical school from September 2013. The Plymouth UTC, to be based at the former Parkside School site, will focus on engineering, marine and product design - vital sectors for our local economy.

National Skills Academies (NSAs) - we are a member of the NSAs for Manufacturing, Environmental Technologies and Retail and a founding college of the NSA for Creative and Cultural. In addition, we are a lead partner in PRET, the Plymouth Retail Education and Training Group.

MATRIX and Investor in Careers Accreditation - we pride ourselves for our commitment to providing potential and current students with advice and guidance to help them make informed decisions and appropriate choices for their future. In recognition of this work, and in particular for the impartiality of our advice and guidance, we continue to hold the MATRIX and Investor in Careers accreditations.

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Apprenticeship Success - the success of apprentices with City College Plymouth in 2010/11 is outstanding, at 14% above the national benchmark. The South West is the highest performing region for apprentices, and the College with nearly 1,000 apprentices - is the highest performing provider in the South West.

Source: Quality Success Rate database, as of November 2011

Overall Success - the achievements of City College Plymouth students in 2010/11 place the College 1st in the South West, and 5th of the 223 further education colleges in the country*. *When the 2010/11 achievements for City College Plymouth students are overlayed on the 2009/10 data for other SW colleges’ achievements for 2009/10.

Source: National Success Rate Tables 2009/10.

National Competitions - City College Plymouth students compete in national skills competitions, including WorldSkills, and in 2010/11 over 20 students won awards for their vocational excellence.

Uganda Project - City College Plymouth supported the Uganda Project by sending machinery and equipment for educational use. The equipment is used in a centre that trains young people in practical skills such as tailoring, carpentry, joinery, motor vehicle mechanics, building and concrete practice, electrical and plumbing. The contribution has meant that the number of students studying at the centre has doubled from 500 in 2009/10 to 1,000 in 2010/11.

Work-based Learning Recognition - our award-wining Work-based Learning department goes from strength-tostrength with four staff members winning prestigious external awards, including a coveted City & Guilds President’s Award, highlighting the fantastic work they do.

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Colleges’ Week - the College teamed up with Thorn Park Care Home to celebrate Colleges’ Week 2010.

Colleges’ Week is a celebration of the role colleges play across the country in unlocking talent in communities and transforming the lives of students. Residents at the home, located in Plymouth, were treated to musical performances, armchair aerobics, bingo sessions, mini manicures and hand massages.

Plymouth Life Centre - nearly 200 College construction students got the chance to really get their hands dirty, as they commenced work experience with Balfour Beatty on the £46.5 million Plymouth Life Centre project.

Go4SET - City College Plymouth played host to the Engineering Development Trust’s (EDT) launch of Go4SET Plymouth. Go4SET aims to enthuse Year 8 and 9 students with science, engineering and technology subjects through environmentally-themed projects.

Energy Centre Sponsor - City College Plymouth signed up ABB, one of the world’s leading companies in power and automotive technologies, as the main sponsor of its new state-of-the-art energy centre. The new high-tech facility, known as The ABB Energy Centre, displays the latest low carbon technology products and training systems and will be used to train the next generation of students as well as upskilling the current workforce.

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In what continues to be a challenging economic environment with pressures on government spending, 2010/11 has been a testing year for the College.

However, in 2010/11 the College Group generated an operating surplus of £600,000 for the year, and an historic cost surplus of £921,000.

The College has a subsidiary company, Achievement Training Limited, a private training provider operating in Plymouth. Any surpluses generated by the subsidiary are transferred to the College under Gift Aid. The College Group attracted approximately 13,000 funded and 3,700 non-funded students.

During the year, the College Group invested £3,724,000 in building improvements and equipment purchases to improve further the infrastructure available to students and local businesses. This was split between land and buildings acquired of £2,735,000 and equipment purchased of £989,000. In the main, this related to the building works for the refurbished construction building and tower block re-cladding.

Cash balances represented 53 days in hand at 31July 2011 (2010:68 days). At £288,000 outflow (2009/10 £2,167,000 inflow), operating cash reflected significant capital expenditure on the Kings Road refurbishment project.

2010/11 ÂŁ000's

2009/10 ÂŁ000's 17

Income Funding body income Tuition fees and education contracts Other grants and contracts Other income Investment income

27,669 6,561 722 1,223 77

27,388 7,443 845 1,482 486

Total Income

36,252

37,644

Staff Other expenses Depreciation Interest

22,213 11,352 1,537 550

23,069 12,414 1,451 753

Total Expenditure

35,652

37,687

(Deficit) on continuing operations prior to costs relating to the property strategy Profit on disposal of assets Taxation

600 0 0

(43) 2 (10)

(Deficit) on continuing operations after depreciation of assets at valuation Historic cost adjustment

600 321

(31) 321

Historic Cost Surplus

921

290

Expenditure

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2010/11 ÂŁ000's

2009/10 ÂŁ000's

23,332 6,357 (7,035)

21,148 8,177 (7,712)

(52)

465

23,280 (194) (967)

21,613 (117) (1,082)

Net assets excluding pension (liability) Net pension (liability)

22,119 (16,354)

20,414 (11,348)

Net assets including pension (liability)

5,765

9,066

4,784 10,225 (16,354) (6,129) 7,066 44

4,405 8,578 (11,348) (2,770) 7,387 44

5,765

9,066

Fixed Assets Current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current (liabilities)/assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Provisions

Deferred capital grants Income and expenditure account excluding pension reserve Pension deficit Income and expenditure account including pension reserve Revaluation reserve Capital reserves Total

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Funding Council Recurrent Grants

Tuition Fees and Education Contracts

Work-based Learinng

Other Council Funding

Other Grants and Contracts

HE Funded Activity

Other Income

Investment Income

Train to Gain

The College long success rate (courses over 24 weeks) was

4.3%

1.5%

31.8%

83.3% exceeding the latest Skills Funding Agency (SFA) benchmark by 4.5%

62.3%

Staff Costs

Depreciation

Other Operating Expenses

Interest Payable

College Facts for 2010/11 20

• Number of full-time students - 4,192 • Number of part-time students - 10,980 • Total number of students - 15,172 which includes 914 higher education students and 176 non-EU ‘international students’ • Number of apprentices - 921 (including subcontracted apprentices) • Number of employees - 840

Success • The College long success rate (courses over 24 weeks) was 83.3%, exceeding the latest Skills Funding Agency (SFA) benchmark by 4.5%.

Retention • The College long retention rate was 86%, meeting the latest SFA benchmark.

Achievement • The College overall achievement rate was 96.2% exceeding the latest SFA benchmark by 5%.

Progression • In 2010/11, 389 students completing level 3 programmes progressed onto higher education via UCAS - please note these figures only include students entering higher education through UCAS and who obtained their application form from the College.

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The College has a long standing and wide ranging commitment to equality and diversity. We aim to be an exemplar in the sector, and were rated ‘good’ at inspection in September 2008.

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Starting from our policy of cascaded responsibility, the College embeds equality and diversity throughout our work and practices. Each year, to increase equality of opportunity, the College has set equality and diversity targets.

The targets in 2010/11 were set to improve the performance of underachieving groups by reducing achievement gaps between disadvantaged groups and their peers. Seven out of ten of these targets were achieved and significant reductions to the gaps have been made. Further targets have been set to improve the performance of disadvantaged groups in 2011/12.

The College successfully attracts people from all sectors of its community. The College provision is substantial in 13 out of the 15 subject sector categories, offering a wide range of learning opportunities to suit the needs of local employers and the community.

There is tailored provision for disadvantaged groups, including those with profound and multiple disabilities, disengaged young people and asylum seekers, for example. Every year staff training is given in supporting people with disabilities and disadvantages.

Students ranged in age from 13 to 79 years in 2010/11. There were approximately equal numbers of men and women, with 43% female and 57% male students. 13% of students declared a disability and 11% a learning difficulty. The black and ethnic minority percentage was 11%, above the 9% estimated for the Plymouth area. A growing number of international students (176 in 2010/11) contribute to promoting cultural diversity and awareness.

The College’s learning accommodation is highly accessible for people with motor and sensory disabilities. Details are set out in the annual ‘Accessibility Commitment’ and on the national DisabledGo website - www.disabledgo.com.

There is a College chaplaincy team which aims to provide spiritual support to students and staff of all faiths and none, and provides quiet rooms at Kings Road and Goschen.

The College meets its legal requirements for an equality and diversity policy with clear statements on preventing unfair discrimination for all the protected groups. The comprehensive three year Single Equality Scheme ended in July 2011 and was evaluated.

This scheme incorporated targets for all teams across the protected groups and achieved 86% of its actions.

It has been replaced by Equality Objectives and an Equality and Diversity Action Plan. The Equality Objectives are cross-College targets set to promote equality for our students, workforce and in our working practices. The Equality and Diversity Action Plan underpins the Equality Objectives and will be updated annually.

We seek advice from local organisations including the Plymouth Religious and Cultural Resource Centre, Fata He, and the Race Equality Council, as well as national bodies such as the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Royal National Institute for the Blind, the Association of Colleges, the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Learning and Skills Improvement Service.

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The College has gone through an exciting year developing sustainability initiatives. We continue to drive for change, educating students, staff and stakeholders to make the College more sustainable, and influencing everyone to think about the environment.

An end of year report (2010/11) has been produced by the College’s Sustainability Working Group, highlighting our successes. A summary of the College’s key achievements include: • the College website now has a section on sustainability, which can be viewed at www.cityplym.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-socialresponsibility/csr-and-environment • new staff are educated on sustainability through the College’s induction programme. Sustainability issues are communicated and discussed to staff through team meetings, self-assessment reports, faculty/departmental plans and performance reviews • Sustainable Future Groups within the College have made excellent progress over the last academic year, and are continuing to embed sustainability into the College curriculum • sustainability posters, designed by students, have been displayed in all teaching rooms, educating users about energy efficiency and recycling

• sustainability workshops for curriculum-focused staff are now available during staff training days.

Introduction to sustainability, green travel and ‘bikeability’ workshops continue to run • students and staff now have access to the College’s Energy Remote Monitoring (ERM) system. It is hoped that having a live case study will broaden the students’ learning experience • the College continues to support the Uganda Project, sending unwanted useable equipment to the training centre in Lira • the College’s catering contractor, Aramark, is making good progress with local/sustainable purchasing and working with students and staff on initiatives and campaigns • Fairtrade status has been maintained by being proactive with selling and using Fairtrade products.

Students and staff have been raising awareness of the benefits it brings to those in developing countries • the College continues to encourage students and staff to use public transport/bicycles/car sharing to get to College, and has set-up a Bike Users’ Group

• Nearly £6,000 was received through the Post-16 Transport Partnership to cover walk ways from the bike shelter and to purchase lockers for commuters • the College continues to reduce its energy consumption and has been successful in reducing the rating on Energy Display Certificates.

The College’s sustainability programme highlights, again, our commitment to being a responsible member of the community. We are continually looking at ways in which we can reduce the negative environmental impact we may cause due to our business activities, and we are actively encouraging and supporting students and staff to take responsibility for reducing their individual impact wherever possible.

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Produced as sustainably as possible by Pepper, using vegetable based inks and paper from responsibly managed forests.

Š City College Plymouth 2012