WEYMOUTH College is expected to be severely criticised in its forthcoming Ofsted report due to leadership and management problems, the Echo has learnt.

The college, which is facing financial pressures and suspended principal Liz Myles before Christmas, was visited by Ofsted inspectors last week.

Their report will be published soon.

Staff are said to be devastated because, while teaching and learning are set to be praised for showing improvement, the trouble at the top could affect the overall rating.

The college has faced a number of cost-cutting measures and has been working with the Further Education Commissioner to reduce its curriculum to save money.

The results of the Commissioner’s Structures and Prospects review are expected shortly.

The Echo reported in November how Ms Myles, a former Ofsted inspector, had been suspended pending an investigation although the college did not give reasons for her suspension.

The college received a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating in its last Ofsted report in June 2013.

Following the latest inspection it is understood staff were briefed on initial findings.

The college confirmed Ofsted visited between January 13-16 but said until the report is published it was unable to make any comment. But South Dorset’s Labour candidate Simon Bowkett understands the college is facing ‘strong criticism of its leadership’ from Ofsted.

He said: “Obviously we wait to see the final report, but I am told the inspectors felt that teaching and learning at the college have shown considerable improvement since the last inspection in 2013 – and this is a fantastic tribute to the efforts of the teaching staff and the students.

“However, I am also told that leadership and management has been judged to have seriously worsened.

“If that is the case, this puts at risk the overall rating of the college despite teachers and students there having played their part in trying to turn its fortunes around.”

Mr Bowkett said the future of the college, which employs more than 500 staff, was ‘essential’ to the area.

He urged the chairman of governors to ‘get a grip’ and set out ‘robust’ plans to get the college back on track.

“It seems that the teachers and students have played their part, but I am told that staff are angry that all their efforts have been undermined by weaknesses at the very top,” he added.

South Dorset MP Richard Drax said: “Having spoken to the interim principal Nigel Evans I am confident that all that can be done to secure the college’s future is being done.”