ONE of the borough's top further education colleges will have cut courses to after its budget was slashed by more than a million pounds.

The governments tough cuts in education spending mean that Redbridge College will receive £1.2 million less than last year More students aged 19 and over will have to pay for courses, while its basic skills courses – which includes English and maths – will be close completely.

Current students are likely not to see any impact to their studies, but prospective students will no longer be able to study travel and tourism, child care, or level one construction.

The college could have to cut as many as eight jobs to make ends meet, although it is currently working to reduce this number if possible.

Deputy principal Geoff Snailham said: “Decisions had to be made when it became clear the college would have to take on the same number or more of students, but with less money next year.

“Colleges will have to work together to ensure students who apply for courses that are no longer running can access them elsewhere.

“Staff at Redbridge College deserve credit for the high level of support they have continued to offer to students despite their own job insecurities.

“Not a single learner has suffered during this process, which is a real testament to those staff.”