A second financial notice ordering improvements has been issued to a college in less than six months.

Last week the Education and Skills Funding Agency sent the notice to Epping Forest College in Loughton after it asked for exceptional financial support.

It follows financial health notices issued in December and means that the college must “update and strengthen” its financial recovery plan.

That plan must show that the college is headed towards "significant and sustained" financial improvement.

The Borders Lane institution must also continue to submit management accounts and records of spends above £20,000 to the department on a monthly basis.

Consultation recently opened on plans for the college to merge with with New City College in Tower Hamlets.

A merger by August this year was one of the conditions of the college’s notice to improve for financial health, issued in December.

Saboohi Famili, principal and CEO of the college, said: "We welcome the interventions and support we receive from government agencies.

"We are delighted that our financial recovery plan is approved by our board and endorsed by ESFA and FE Commission and have every confidence in achieving its intended outcome which is to ensure sound and robust financial management and a sustainable future for the College."