IN the wake of a series of social media posts suggesting financial problems at the Grays campus of South Essex College and stating that students on construction-related courses would not be able to take exams, the college has issued a statement condemning 'inaccurate and misleading statements'.

It had been suggested that financial problems at South Essex College meant it had run out of building materials and had failed to make payments to suppliers.

This has been roundly denied by the college and it has criticised people for promoting confusion and fear among students and their families.

A statement from deputy principal (curriculum and quality) Adam Fahey says: "South Essex College is concerned and disappointed by the inaccurate and misleading statements made recently on social media in reference to the resourcing of construction trades.

"It has been suggested that the college "has run out of money"; this is a complete fabrication and will only serve to sow confusion and fear among our students, all of whom are working hard to achieve their qualifications.

"The college is acutely aware of the need to manage its finances responsibly and will continue to do so in the best interests of our students."