'Weaknesses exposed' - Flagship £95m South Tyneside College plans face scrutiny from DfE watchdog

College bosses in South Tyneside are facing scrutiny after a review of their £95m new campus project identified weaknesses in its oversight and governance.

The Department for Education (DfE) has told them to improve their management of the South Shields town centre scheme – and has set its watchdog snapping at their heels.

That body – the Further Education Commissioner (FEC) - has issued them with a Financial Notice to Improve (NtI) and her team will now work closely to ensure robust oversight.

The FEC will monitor progress and provide additional external support to ensure the project is delivered on time and with no future financial risks.

Tyne Coast College (TCC), which operates South Tyneside College, now faces potentially months of intense scrutiny.

In a hard-hitting letter, the DoE warned that failure to engage may lead to a cut in general funding.

The DoE also intends to sit in on college governing body meetings to monitor developments, until the required changes are deemed to have been made.

Its letter states: “The reason for the intervention is weaknesses in the oversight and governance of the college's major capital project at South Tyneside College, and associated financial risks to the college, which meets our intervention trigger for financial management and other controls.

“The college must work with the FEC and her team to undertake an independent assessment of the college’s capability and capacity to make the required changes and improvements.”

TCC insisted scrutiny applied solely to its new campus – set to open in September 2027 – and that its overall finances were robust and without cause for concern.

In a statement, it said: “Tyne Coast College acknowledges receipt of a Notice to Improve issued by the Further Education Commissioner following a review linked to our new campus development in South Tyneside.

“We want to reassure our local community that this does not put the project at risk. The new campus is progressing and remains on track to welcome students in September 2027.

“This position does not impact on jobs, and the College remains financially and operationally strong.

“This is a large, multi-funded project, bringing together a new build campus, the refurbishment of a listed building, specialist workshop facilities and new Halls of Residence.

“The review recognised this ambition, while also identifying oversight of the project needed strengthening.

“We accept these findings and are working closely with the Department for Education and the FE Commissioner to further strengthen oversight and delivery arrangements. We welcome their support and expertise.

“This investment is central to our future and will transform learning opportunities in South Tyneside, providing modern, high-quality facilities for generations to come.

“We remain fully committed to delivering this project and will continue to work with our partners to ensure its successful completion.”

South Tyneside Council confirmed it was aware of the NtI and said: “The Notice to Improve does not change the council’s role in supporting delivery of this transformative project, nor does it detract from the council’s commitment to seeing the new campus completed.

“We will continue to work closely and constructively with Tyne Coast College, the Department for Education and other partners to support the successful delivery of this important investment in education and skills for South Tyneside.

“The relocated college remains the cornerstone of the council’s long‑term plans to revitalise and diversify South Shields town centre, boosting footfall and the local economy.”

The DoE did not say when the NtI may be lifted but confirmed it did not want TCC to remain in intervention for longer than necessary.