A college is aiming to make savings of £1.5 million as it sets out its ambition to become number one in the county.

City College Brighton and Hove said that the savings target was due to rising costs, reduced funding and uncertainties surrounding its income.

The target was revealed the day before the college launches its strategic vision to break into the top 10% for further education colleges in the country.

It also wants to be rated “outstanding”

by Oftsed for teaching, learning and employer satisfaction, with 95% rating it as “good” or better.

Lynn Thackway, principal and chief executive, said: “Like all colleges, we are faced with rising costs, reduced funding and uncertainties surrounding our future income, so we are therefore currently reviewing ways of making savings, with the aim of reducing our costs by approximately £1.5 million.

“Any changes will be carefully managed.

We certainly do not anticipate that courses will be closed as a result of this exercise and our vision as a values- led public sector organisation is very much around ensuring that we are a strong and stable college.

“For now, our focus needs to remain firmly on our current learners at this important time of the year for them.

“Our priority is to ensure that these students achieve their qualifications and are supported with their future aspirations into further study, university or work.”

The college wants to increase its commercial and international income over the next five years.

Investment targets include reviewing the college’s estate to make it “fit for 21st Century learning”, and developing commercial opportunities to increase income.

New technologies will be embraced while budgets will be scrutinised with staffing costs and other expenditure monitored against targets.

Colin Henderson, finance director, said: “Using our resources efficiently and effectively over the coming years is one of the key factors in achieving our vision.

“Investing in the future involves both providing training and support for our staff, so that their expertise is fully up to date, and having new or refurbished high quality teaching and learning environments for our students.”