THE second meeting of the newly formed South West Surrey Compass Group was attended by 40 people at which Jonathan Stewart, education consultant and until recently principal of Farnham College highlighted the funding crisis that currently affects post-16 education.

Jonathan’s insight into post-16 education based on personal experience provided a real example of how things could and should be done differently.

He described the effect of the cuts as:

• Reducing the curriculum offered to students, including cuts in “STEM” subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

• A shrinking workforce.

• A growing number of small academies and free schools offering sixth form provision less efficiently.

He quoted Steve Oxlade, principal of Reigate and Coulsden colleges: “The situation is as dire as you can imagine. My guess is that by 2020, no more than 10 colleges will be financially viable.”

The meeting endorsed the purpose of the South West Surrey Compass Group, formed under the auspices of the national organisation of the same name which describes itself as “a home for those who want to build and be a part of a good society; one where equality, sustainability and democracy are not mere aspirations, but a living reality”.

The purpose of the group is to allow like-minded people to discuss issues of common concern and co-ordinate campaigning on local and national issues.

The group is not a political party and the meeting was attended by members of Labour, Liberal Democrats and Greens as well as many people independent of any political affiliation.

The South West Surrey Compass Group will meet quarterly with its next meeting scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 5, with agreed subjects for future discussion being a further presentation on education needs and provision of housing.

Steve Williams, facilitator of the new South West Surrey Compass Group, stated that he was encouraged by the number of people attending the second meeting and the support from a cross section of people of different political affiliations revealed the frustrations of many people in South West Surrey who were not adequately represented at either national or local government levels.

For further details contact David Beaman, a former independent Farnham town councillor, the newly appointed press and publicity officer. Call 07799671641, email [email protected] or visit the website www.compassonline.org.uk.