The Guardian reports that one in ten college principals has retired or resigned since the beginning in the year, the result of what it says is 'excessive interference and bureaucracy' imposed on colleges by government departments.

Referring to a new 'deregulation campaign' launched by the Association of Colleges aimed at persuading ministers to do away with much of the paperwork currently required of colleges. AoC Chief Executive David Gibson is quoted as saying that "the average college has to deal with at least 73 separate funding streams, each with its own rules and accountability." The AoC represents the interests of the 485 colleges in England and Wales.

Concern was expressed by colleges as far back as November last year, when new proposals to give the Further Education Funding Council responsibility for college audit arrangements were being seen as an attack on colleges' autonomy. With this task now having been passed to the Learning and Skills Council, the paper claims that many colleges are complaining that the burden of paperwork has increased since the Council took over responsibility in April of this year, and that what Adult Skills Minister John Healey termed "the biggest turnover of principals this year" has been a direct result of this extra burden.

If you're struggling with extra paperwork and this sounds familiar, or indeed, if you don't think there's too much bureaucracy around, add your comments below.