Chinese whispers

One or two facts are likely to have been missing from a fact-finding tour for Chinese educationists around British further education colleges last week. Organised by the Association of Colleges, it took in flagship institutions from London to Glasgow.

But unless their ears were attuned to corridor whisperings, Chinese delegates will have been unaware of behind-the-scenes events at one itinerary highlight - Stoke College, currently in turmoil after a survey by lecturers' union Natfhe uncovered allegations of bullying and low staff morale.