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Dartington College of Art

Volume 457: debated on Monday 5 March 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the statement of 7 February 2007, Official Report, column 285WH, on regional development agencies, when the report on the future of Dartington College of Arts will be published. (123361)

[holding answer 28 February 2007]: The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) have been working with Dartington College of Arts for some time to identify options for a sustainable future for the college. This work was triggered by the recognition by the college’s governors that the conditions necessary for the college to stay on the estate were not being met. External consultants are currently undertaking an options appraisal and economic impact assessment for the college with some financial support from HEFCE and the South West RDA, to identify a viable way forward. The consultants are due to report to the college at the end of February and the study will be considered by the college’s board of governors on 2 March. I understand the college intends to publish these reports shortly after the 2 March governors’ meeting.