A Cumbrian college has pledged its support for students of Newton Rigg College.
It was announced on Tuesday that the final element of the Further Education Commissioner-led Newton Rigg Strategic Review has concluded that it had been unable to identify an organisation to continue delivering sustainable land based education at the campus, near Penrith, and that Askham Bryan College should continue with finding a buyer for the site.
The review identified that most provision currently delivered at Newton Rigg can be provided in Cumbria by other post-16 FE providers.
In addition, other arrangements to ensure the continuity of land based provision in the area are being developed.
Following the announcement, Kendal College has pledged to offer advice, support and progression routes to all students that are affected by the closure of the college at the end of this academic year.
Kendal College has worked with staff and students at the Newton Rigg campus over the last year and will continue to help learners to develop an ongoing plan for their future.
The college is currently working with academic staff at Newton Rigg to develop an expanded curriculum offer to ensure there is continued education and appropriate progression routes in place for learners who are leaving the college this July.
To encourage learners to take up these new opportunities, Kendal College is exploring several options including transport and local delivery venues to make the new and enhanced offer accessible to those who live and work in the Penrith and Eden Valley area.
Kendal College principal Kelvin Nash said: “It is with regret that Newton Rigg could not be saved as a standalone institution; however rural and land-based skills still remain a crucial part of the Cumbrian economy.
“Working in partnership with Newton Rigg College, the local farming community, and other Cumbria based businesses, we are developing a new curriculum offer and a model of education and delivery to meet future learner and employer needs.
“The revised curriculum offer will be announced shortly, but it will enable all learners the chance to achieve the skills needed to survive and thrive well into the future.”
Kendal College will be publishing its revised land-based and animal care curriculum offer in the next few weeks.
