Partnership proposal invited to increase options for students

The opportunity has been created for potential partners to make proposals for further developing and increasing learning provision and choice for young people in south Shropshire. 

The Education Funding Agency is working together with Ludlow College and Shropshire Council to improve and increase post-16 education and training in the area. 

A formal process is now starting to enable prospective investors to put forward imaginative and sustainable proposals to improve the educational options on offer in Ludlow. 

Ludlow College has invested about £1 million over the past 18 months to be able to offer a curriculum that addresses the employment and skills needs of south Shropshire, including a training kitchen and restaurant, onsite travel agency, new fitness suite, media suite and upgraded science facilities. 

As the smallest college in the country, management and governors said they recognised the need for investment to deliver the local authority’s ambition for continuing development for high quality post-16 education. 

Ewart Carson, chair of governors at Ludlow College, said:

“This is an exciting development and brings major improvements for students and the wider community.   

“We feel that seeking an investor is the best solution for present and future students, and will help us work with Shropshire Council and the Education Funding Agency to achieve our vision to provide high quality learning opportunities for young people and the community.  Exciting opportunities are already on the table, which include the introduction of hair and beauty courses, and further investment can help make those plans a reality.” 

Principal of Ludlow College, Jonathan Davis, said:

“We have seen a significant increase in student applications compared to the same period last year, and there are exciting opportunities to develop new courses for the benefit of learners in Ludlow and south Shropshire. 

“An investment partner will help us to realise the ambitions.  We would like to reassure students and parents that it remains ‘business as usual’ and there will be no noticeable changes on a day-to-day basis.  We are also talking to staff about the development to keep them fully informed of the next steps.” 

Expressions of interest will be invited from prospective partners over the summer, with the new arrangements intended to be confirmed in the autumn. 

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for education and skills, said:

“This proposal is a positive move forward for sustaining learning provision for young people in Ludlow.  We will work closely with the college throughout this process to ensure 16 to 19-year-olds are able to access excellent education and training options, both now and in the future.” 

Catherine Christie, deputy director in the Education Funding Agency, said:

“We are pleased to be supporting the process to secure high quality and financially viable provision for young people in south Shropshire.  Working with Shropshire Council, and with Ludlow College, continues to be essential to ensure a timely new investment to respond to the economic and learning needs in the locality.” 

Further information 

The Education Funding Agency is seeking a provider that will serve the area of south Shropshire, operating primarily out of Ludlow town, which will meet the needs of young people within that community and contribute to the wider partnership offer within the area. This will appear on Contracts Finder. 

Further information, including a prospectus and booking form for a briefing day, is available from YPWestern.EFA@education.gsi.gov.uk 

The closing date for proposals is 13 July 2012.