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East Kent College principal Graham Razey hits back as councillor Brian Copping slams ‘irrelevant’ courses at Folkestone campus

A college principal has defended the courses on offer at a Folkestone campus following criticism from a district councillor this week.

East Kent College principal Graham Razey said it was “a shame” that Cllr Brian Copping, leader of the opposition People First group on Shepway District Council, had attacked the kind of courses on offer at the Shorncliffe Road campus.

Cllr Copping said many of the courses “were not relevant” to people and didn’t “think they benefit” the young people in the district including courses for people with learning difficulties.

Paul Marsh passed away suddenly in June
Paul Marsh passed away suddenly in June

His comments at last Wednesday’s full council meeting came in response to an announcement by leader Cllr David Monk (Con) that the council is providing £500,000 towards the college and further and higher education provision in Shepway.

Phase one of the £4.4 million redevelopment of the Folkestone campus is already under way and involves building new facilities including a performing arts, catering and hospitality, digital media and beauty and therapy centres as well as an extension to the existing construction centre.

The remaining money is coming from the government’s Skills Funding Agency.

Mr Razey said in response: “It is a shame that Cllr Copping’s comments were perceived to be negative as I believe he has always supported further education in the district.

East Kent College principal Graham Razey
East Kent College principal Graham Razey

“We intend to invite him to the campus so he can see for himself the work that is being undertaken to vastly improve the facilities and courses on offer to Shepway’s young people.

“We think very carefully about the courses we offer and match them to the local economy’s needs.”

Cllr Terence Mullard (Ukip) said he “welcomed any improvement” to education adding: “I will have to see if it’s well spent but I’m sure it will.”

The newly-branded Folkestone campus of East Kent College
The newly-branded Folkestone campus of East Kent College

Cllr Copping listed each area Cllr Monk mentioned would be improved saying he did not know why there was a need for a performing arts course.

The college however says that it is due to the creative scene thriving in Folkestone. Facilities such as the Leas Cliff Hall, Tower Theatre and The Quarterhouse have helped boost creative industries and the arts in the town.

Cllr Copping criticised the new catering and hospitality department as there was “no industry” for it in Folkestone anymore. He added he didn’t understand what a digital media centre would do and therefore could not see a reason for it being built.

He rounded off his criticism by saying he did not see the point for a centre to teach beauty and therapy courses.

Shepway council leader Cllr David Monk.
Shepway council leader Cllr David Monk.

Cllr David Monk told him: “What a miserable life you must lead.

“He’s [Mr Razey] not going to put things on that people aren’t going to enrol on. He’s a smart cookie.

“I can’t accept your negativity on this, it’s a real positive. What’s wrong with having a course for learning difficulties? It’s just a course.

“We have no statutory obligation to contribute towards further or higher education. However, we are forward-thinking enough to recognise that the economic wellbeing of the district, as well as the personal development of local young people, relies on access to good, high quality training.”

The college hopes to double in size over the next two years to have an intake of 750 pupils by the 2016/17 academic year compared to the current 350.

A partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University will allow higher level college courses to be converted to degrees.

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