Regulator is informed of allegations against college’s ex-principal

A GOVERNMENT agency has been informed about allegations against a former college principal.

Jeanette Dawson resigned as chief executive and principal of Bishop Burton College in October, amid allegations of mismanagement. The college, which specialises in land-based education and has around 2,500 students, hired an external company to carry out an investigation.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency, which regulates further education and sixth-form colleges, among others, has now been made aware.

In a statement acting chief executive and principal Bill Meredith added: “The Education and Skills Funding Agency has been informed. I can confirm that the college remains in strong financial health and we look forward to welcoming our students back in 2018 to continue their education after the Christmas break.”

The EFSA, however, said they had not yet had a formal referral. It said: “When allegations are formally referred to the agency, they will always be investigated and appropriate action taken.”

Bishop Burton College was named Outstanding BTEC College of the Year 2017 and operates a second campus at Riseholme in Lincolnshire.

It takes students over 16, from the East Riding, Lincolnshire and North and South Yorkshire as well as Hull, and was rated “good” by inspectors from Oftsed, following a visit in January.

Governors and senior leaders were praised for developing “facilities and resources that inspire learners to achieve.” The college teaches subjects ranging from countryside management through to equine studies.