A COLLEGE has announced plans to close classrooms on Fridays as bosses scramble to find ways of saving cash amid the cost of living crisis.

South Essex College, which has campuses in Basildon, Southend, and Thurrock, insists the move will also enable teachers to catch up on marking and admin, with pupils encouraged to use the extra time for “independent study”.

Students have previously be allocated periods for independent study at random times throughout a typical five-day week.

Bosses insist students will not lose out on face-to-face learning, with the same number of lessons still being hosted in the classrooms Monday to Thursday.

But one parent of a second-year pupil at the Basildon campus has hit-out at the plans, claiming it will pass energy costs onto households.

They said: “I think it is disgusting that parents are expected to pay more on their electric bill as the students will be using electric at home now on Fridays.

The parent, who did not want to be named, added: “I could not believe it when my son came home and told me the news.”

Outlining the decision to close classrooms on Fridays, South Essex College said: “The college continuously looks at how we can improve the delivery of our provision. In doing so we have scheduled timetables over four days a week, for multiple benefits.

“It will give teachers dedicated time to complete marking and admin, making the most of the benefits we have learnt from the past couple of years.

“This will also allow students to undertake independent study as they prepare for higher education or work.

“It is true that cost pressures on utilities and other elements of running the college have meant we have looked at ways to make savings that do not impact on students or staff.”

Last week, Prime Minister Liz Truss promised a six-month energy “guarantee” to support schools with their energy costs, but has yet clarify the financial details underlying the pledge.

Southend councillor Matt Dent said: “I commend the college for doing this in a way that does not reduce students’ face-to-face teaching time, but this is a damning indictment of the situation we are in.

“This shows that the impact of soaring utility prices isn’t just on households, but on organisations across society.”