21/01/13

K College appoints principal Phil Frier to tackle millions of debt

by Paul Francis

The financially-stricken K College has appointed a new interim principal to oversee its efforts to recover from its deep debts.

Phil Frier has taken on the role at a critical time for the college, which has a deficit of more than £6m.

A government task force was sent in to the crisis-hit college late last year as part of moves to help it sort out its huge debts.

The team sent in by the Skills Funding Agency is conducting a three month review of the college, which has campuses in Dover, Folkestone, Ashford, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.

Mr Frier comes with a reputation as a one of the leading further education leaders in the sector, with a track record in turning round under-performing colleges.

He was principal at the City College in Brighton, where he oversaw major improvements at an institution with similar problems to K College.

At the time he left, Ofsted rated the college's leadership and management as outstanding.

He said: "I am really pleased to be able to contribute to the further development of further education across Kent. 

"Whilst the current financial situation at the college is an immediate problem I am confident that we will continue to provide educational opportunities in Dover, Folkestone, Ashford, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells."

"My first commitment is to our students and future students in the coming years, to provide college courses for September 2013 and beyond. 

K College has campuses across Kent, including Tonbridge

"The good news is that K College is in recovery and is committed to offering courses for our students next year.  We are still recruiting, we are open for business and we will continue to provide high quality educational opportunities leading to jobs."

Mr Frier has over 35 years of experience in further education.

He  retired from his full-time role at Brighton in 2012 and is currently chair of a 23-strong consortium of colleges across the south east.

Mr Frier will be at the college for at least six months.