It is good to end the year with the positive news that the college’s redevelopment of its town centre campus is developing at a pace.

The £9m project involves the demolition of the old court building and a couple of other college buildings to create new maths, English and IT facilities, and a new construction centre.

Having also seen the Abingdon campus being visited by Business Secretary Vince Cable this week to honour the country’s two millionth apprentice since the Coalition Government came to power, it is very clear to see this is a go-ahead college.

Speaking to staff and apprentices on Monday at the college’s Abingdon campus it is abundantly clear the teachers are 100 per cent committed to matching the skills of their young apprentices with employers in the community.

It is hugely positive that many of these gifted youngsters will be learning their crafts at the new campus in Witney. The contribution they will make to the future of the West Oxfordshire economy cannot be underestimated. But the most positive aspect of all is the energy and drive of the youngsters on the college’s apprenticeship schemes. They are a positive bunch of young people, full of energy, sparkle and hope for the future, which is surely what education must be about.