Campus transfer best for students, says college

Closing a further education college and moving teaching to a campus four miles away will create "a more positive learning environment" for students, according to managers.

A consultation on the future of Evesham New College in Worcestershire has been launched by Warwickshire College Group (WCG), which wants to transfer classes to its Pershore College campus.

WCG said some provision had already been transferred to Pershore, and the number of students at the Evesham site had dropped by 60%.

"This has created a suboptimal learning environment for our students, and we believe that full consolidation to Pershore College will provide a far more positive and enriching experience," it said.

WCG has more than 10,000 students in Evesham, Pershore, and its four campuses in Warwickshire and is one of the largest further and higher education groups in the West Midlands.

About 190 of those are at Evesham. If the move goes ahead, Pershore College will be renamed Pershore and Evesham College and will cater for 500 students.

"It's really just about the viability of having two colleges close to each other, said CEO Sara-Jane Watkins.

"We really need to consolidate in order to ensure that we have one viable college for the Wychavon area rather than two colleges with small numbers and both struggling financially."

Ms Watkins said Pershore College had better student support services, modern classrooms, specialist equipment and enhanced sports facilities.

She added that the "vast majority" of students who had been consulted said they would be happy to continue their courses at the alternative site, if transport to Pershore was provided.

"We will be providing a free shuttle bus from the current Evesham New College to Pershore campus daily, whilst also adding in a shuttle service from Pershore train station," she said.

The teaching day would also start later to accommodate those students who had to travel.

Ms Watkins acknowledged some members of staff were concerned about the potential impact on their jobs.

"Obviously staff are upset, because many have worked for Evesham College for many years," she said.

"I recognise that, I appreciate that, I understand that.

"We are committed to supporting our staff while ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality education for our students."

A consultation for people in Evesham and Pershore to share their views is running until 30 May.

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