THE head of every single general further education college in England has written to the Government demanding a series of reforms be implemented.

In a letter co-ordinated by Oldham College principal Alun Francis, a total of 203 principals wrote to Chancellor Philip Hammond and Education Secretary Damien Hinds, calling for the Government to follow the recommendations of the Post-18 Education Review.

The review, published last month, called for a reverse in the cuts to adult skills provision and extensive investment in colleges to strengthen technical education.

It warned adults need to be able to access education in order to meet the emerging pattern of shorter job cycles and longer working lives.

The review recommended a lifelong learning loan allowance be introduced to help end the skills shortage in the workforce.

It also urged the Government to draw up plans to even out further education provision across over-supplied and under-supplied areas, as well as much greater support for disadvantaged students.

The authors of the review also called for the quality of apprenticeships to ensure they were providing trainees with the skills they need in rapidly developing industries.

The letter from the heads says: “In many respects the [Post-18 Education Review] represents a wider emerging consensus across England.

“We are sure that you will agree with us and other key stakeholders that further education colleges have been neglected, and that there is now a growing appreciation of their unique role, value and potential.”

It added: “ What we now need are decisions and commitments - with your political leadership, support and resolve, colleges will be able to build on what they already do to reach more employers and more adults and make the differences our economy and society need."

Mr Francis said: “The technical and professional education which our colleges specialise in, is a hidden strength of this country.

“There is some astonishingly good provision, but the system overall has been held back by a clear view of its role backed by a serious investment plan.”

The letter warns that the current skills gap could be reducing economic output by £3.3 billion a year.

Bev Robbinson OBE, one of the authors of the review, said choosing to enact the recommendations would demonstrate the government’s commitment to generating a “skills revolution”.

She added industry is “crying out” for more skilled workers and that it would help promote equality.