**Wigan**: Anna Dawe, principal of Wigan & Leigh College, emphasises the importance of partnerships in further education, reflecting on the shift from competition to collaboration in Greater Manchester’s educational landscape, highlighting the college’s commitment to community needs and the growth of apprenticeship opportunities.
In a marked shift towards collaborative efforts, Anna Dawe, the principal of Wigan & Leigh College, underscores the necessity of partnership in further education (FE) to leverage the advantages afforded by devolution. This transformation in approach signals a move away from past competitive practices where colleges operated in isolation, driven by the need to outshine their rivals.
Dawe reflects on her early experiences within the FE sector, noting that it was once common for colleges to boast about exceeding competitors’ achievement rates through advertisements scattered throughout towns. However, recent developments in Greater Manchester have fostered an environment where collaboration is increasingly regarded as a pathway to success. “I just come off a call ‘chewing the cud’ with eight fellow Greater Manchester principals,” she shared, highlighting the supportive nature of their relationships and attributing much of this progress to the devolution of powers within the region.
She recalls that upon joining Wigan & Leigh College a decade ago, discussions around a potential merger were contentious, with areas of conflict between governing authorities and educational institutions. The college holds a significant legacy as it has evolved from its origins as a mining college into a contemporary educational establishment. “So out of darkness comes light,” Dawe quoted, encapsulating both the college’s ethos and her personal journey through challenging times.
Notably, Dawe has spearheaded changes that align closely with the needs of the local community, significantly increasing apprenticeship opportunities during a period when many institutions were scaling back. Under her leadership, Wigan & Leigh has embraced new vocational qualifications such as T Levels to ensure that the college continues to meet diverse educational demands, including a focus on providing quality apprenticeships, which she asserts are central to the community’s prosperity.
In her role on the governing board of the University of Manchester, Dawe elaborates on how her experiences on the other side of governance broadened her insights into the skillsets required to guide educational institutions effectively. “Until I’d walked in the shoes of a governor, I didn’t have a full appreciation of the skills required,” she explained, indicating that her dual roles enhance her leadership capabilities.
The college has shown remarkable resilience, notably growing its total enrolments and expanding its financial turnover significantly. Dawe attributes this success to a robust ethos that values every learner equally, acknowledging the vital role of apprenticeships in maintaining the educational fabric of Wigan. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by government policy and funding, Dawe insists on the importance of sustaining all educational offerings, stating, “Every single learner is as important as the others.”
As Wigan & Leigh College continues to enhance its apprenticeship programmes—now growing from 2,000 to 2,500 apprentices in recent years—Dawe also raises concerns regarding the assessment framework of T Levels, pointing out that the rigidity of the system may hinder student success. “If a young person fails one A-level, they typically still ‘walk out’ with two others,” she noted. She believes the high stakes associated with T Levels may not serve the very students the qualification was designed to assist effectively.
Encouragingly, Dawe acknowledges the constructive collaboration with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to secure work placements necessary for T Level students. Recognition from local political leaders, including Mayor Andy Burnham, signifies a positive shift in valuing technical education equivalently alongside academic paths.
The college has also gained appreciation within the recent devolution white paper for its innovative approaches in addressing skills shortages, reinforcing the notion that successful educational partnerships breed regional competitive advantages. However, Dawe expresses concern about the overwhelming focus on younger learners, warning against neglecting adult education, which she believes is crucial for the community’s holistic educational ecosystem.
“The value in FE is all its component parts,” Dawe concluded, underscoring the essential diversity of educational offerings. This perspective reinforces the significance of both collaboration and resilience in navigating the evolving landscape of further education, as institutions strive to remain relevant and beneficial to their communities in the wake of substantial changes in policy and practise.
Source: Noah Wire Services
