Bolton Education Zone partnership pledge

 
Young people in Bolton are set to benefit from the new Bolton Education Zone Partnership between the University of Bolton, Bolton College and Bolton Sixth Form College.
 
On Friday 3 February 2012 the Collaborative Agreement was signed by Chairs of governors from all three further and higher education organisations. More than £100 million has been invested in creating new facilities for all three institutions over the past three years.
 
And there to witness the venture’s launch were the principals of the Bolton College, Marie Gilluley, and Bolton Sixth Form College, Steve Wetton as well as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Dr George Holmes and the University’s Chancellor, Baroness Morris of Bolton OBE DL DPhil LLD.
 
Bolton Council’s Chief Executive, Sean Harriss spoke at the launch about how the partnership would benefit Bolton.
 
Working together, the three organisations have signed up to:

• fill the gap left in Bolton by the abolition of the Aimhigher university access scheme, developing local activities that encourage young people to consider higher education
• investigate sharing facilities in the future; for example, Bolton College and the University are looking at new automotive studies opportunities with a potential new-build on Deane Road
• look at closer collaboration in the development of health and sports programmes now based in the new £31m Bolton One health, leisure and research centre
• ensure that progression routes between levels and institutions are clearly communicated to college learners.

 
 
Said the Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, Dr George Holmes: ‘It is our great privilege to be at the centre of a learning hub that has greatly benefited from such significant financial investment. But the future wealth of our town lies in our young people and it is our institutions’ investment in working together that can build the best, supportive pathways for their future success.’
 
Said Principal of Bolton College, Marie Gilluley: ‘Many employers now report that they need to recruit people with higher level skills and Bolton's employers are no exception. A higher level qualification is one of the best assets a young person can have in entering the job market. In working with the University of Bolton in the Bolton Education Zone partnership we want to show our students how they can achieve this, without having to move away from Bolton, by studying at Bolton College and at their local University. There are many more routes into higher education than used to be the case, and the vocational courses offered by Bolton College will enable our students to fulfil their ambitions and still have the ability to work if they wish. Working within the Bolton Education Zone partnership and with local employers we are also looking at developing new courses, for example in science and technology subjects, to provide even more opportunity in the future.’
 
 
Said Principal of Bolton Sixth Form College, Steve Wetton: ‘Historically, the majority of  students from the Sixth Form College progress to university, but increasingly students are looking for good local provision; high quality degree courses with easy access and offering good value for money. Through working closely with our partners in the Bolton Education Zone we hope to inspire and motivate many more students to take advantage of the tremendous benefits which come from obtaining degree level qualifications.’
 
Councillor Cliff Morris, Leader of Bolton Council said: ‘We are delighted to see our colleges and our university working together to create a brighter future for the young people of Bolton.
‘These are tough times and the economic pressures under which we all operate effect young people, their families and, of course, our education providers.
 
‘By working together we can find ways of supporting, developing and moving forward. Bolton Council wishes this partnership every success.’