The start of several degree programmes has been postponed at a higher education provider in England.

The Dartington Trust, which runs Schumacher College in Devon, where the start of a number of degrees have been delayed, said students were ¡°understandably concerned¡± by the news ahead of the new academic year.

However, it said a solution is expected to be found quickly.

The trust, which also operates Dartington Arts School in Totnes, said it undertook a substantial review of its operations over the summer.

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¡°The review was designed to meet some of the financial challenges faced by the Trust which have been influenced by Covid, rising living costs, and an over-ambitious agenda,¡± a trust spokesperson said in a statement.

¡°The outcome of the review will be to operate Dartington Trust on a more sustainable approach.¡±

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The work has been led by Lord Triesman, the chair of trustees, the trustee board, and Robert Fedder, the interim chief executive.

Schumacher College is a college for ecological studies offering postgraduate and undergraduate programmes, research degrees, short courses and a practical agroecology residency.

The trust remains fully operational as the outcomes of the review are implemented across the different areas of the organisation, it said.

¡°Unfortunately, the start of a number of degrees being delivered by Schumacher College has been postponed and we regret that some students are understandably concerned by this,¡± said the spokesperson.

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¡°We are offering support to all students and we are working with our partners and stakeholders to find solutions, should that be necessary.

¡°All student fees have been ring-fenced and we anticipate that a solution will be found quickly.¡±

Schumacher College is based on the historic Dartington Estate near Totnes.

patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com