Second decade partnership good news for town’s future

Weston College and Bath Spa University are celebrating their second decade of working closely together.

At a special ceremony held at the College, Bath Spa University Vice Chancellor, Professor Frank Morgan, signed an agreement to work together for the next 10 years.

Professor Morgan said: “At a time of uncertainty in higher education we celebrate a partnership which has enriched both institutions. Weston College offers great academic quality and excellent attention to resources.”

Ten years ago Weston College saw 70 students begin higher education and degree courses. Now 600 students are enrolled and nearly 1,000 have gained degrees.

Almost 20 per cent of these have gained First Class Honours which is more than double the eight per cent national average.

OFSTED also recognised Bath Spa University and Weston College’s teacher training programme provision as Grade 1 Outstanding.

Weston College opened its own University Campus in 2007 and now has student accommodation to provide for those from other places who wish to study at Degree Level in Weston-super-Mare.

College Principal, Dr Paul Phillips, OBE, said at the signing ceremony: “Working with Bath Spa has been extremely beneficial to us, Weston and North Somerset. We’ve achieved our ambition to offer quality higher education in the area.

“We anticipate for further growth and I hope this event can be seen as the start of Weston being viewed as a university town, offering even more higher education qualifications.”

College Higher Education Director, Anthony Murray, who has overseen the partnership, added: “Higher education is going through a tough time and the agreement with Bath Spa University is crucial to ensure our continued growth and confidence.”

For more information on courses at Weston College call 01934 411411 or go to www.weston.ac.uk