Three colleges have finalised an offer for the future of land-based education in Cumbria that they hope will fill the void left by Newton Rigg’s closure.
Myerscough College, Ullswater Community College and Kendal College say the offer will provide an essential lifeline, clarity of offer and continuity of study for existing and prospective students in the land-based sectors.
The collaborations recognise the importance of the future of the land-based sector, and in particular, the agriculture, animal management and arboriculture sectors to the county, and how vital it is that the next generation has the best possible opportunity to obtain high-level qualifications locally.
The offer aims to assist learners affected by the forthcoming closure of Newton Rigg College whilst the county tries to secure a long-term future for the Newton Rigg site.
Applications for September are now open.
Alison Robinson, Chief Executive and Principal of Myerscough College, said: “In 1980, there were 50 land-based colleges across the UK, but this has fallen to just 11 specialist land-based colleges and 22 other general FE colleges with specialist land-based facilities.
‘’Now, more than ever, it is critically important that we continue to preserve land-based education in our communities.
“Myerscough College wants to see land-based education flourish in Cumbria to meet the skills needs of the county and the aspirations of young people, and we are delighted to be working with our partners to ensure the success of the programmes.
‘’We believe that this continuity of provision will provide clarity for new students and a number of students progressing with their studies, and will be a platform for the continuation of land-based education within Penrith and the wider county, which is so critical for both young people and employers in the Cumbrian community.’’
