University of Exeter and Cornwall College Group cement strategic collaboration

The University of Exeter and Cornwall College Group have formed a new partnership designed to boost education opportunities, social mobility and regional economic development.

The partnership was cemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organisations signed at a ceremony on Friday, June 20th.

The agreement marks a significant step in aligning education and economic priorities across the South West, ensuring the region continues to thrive through collaborative leadership and shared ambition.

It also reflects a shared commitment to education partnership across the region and lays the groundwork for deeper cooperation in a number of areas – ranging from social mobility and adult upskilling to research collaboration and regional economic development.

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter said: “This partnership reflects our deep commitment to inclusive education, community impact, and building a skilled, sustainable workforce for the future. Together with Cornwall College Group, we’re investing in the future of our region through collaboration, innovation and opportunity.”

Cornwall College Group CEO Rob Bosworth said: “Cornwall College Group is delighted to be working in partnership and collaboration with UoE. This relationship will foster new approaches to raising ambitions of those students from the most extreme disadvantaged backgrounds as well as developing new skills opportunities in priority areas in the region.

“We will be launching our new place-based strategy in Autumn 2025 and with the new A-Levels being offered at St Austell College in September 2027, this is a perfect time for young people to start thinking about world-class higher education progression in Cornwall. We are truly excited about the new MoU and what this could mean for local residents.”

The MOU identifies several key areas of mutual interest, including:

· Enhancing educational outcomes and aspirations for young people across the county

· Collaborating on workforce development initiatives to meet regional and national skills demands

· Driving inclusive and clean growth, particularly in sectors such as mining and critical minerals

· Supporting adult education and lifelong learning through targeted upskilling programmes

· Encouraging broader participation in higher education through dedicated scholarship initiatives

· Delivering joint projects that create tangible benefits for communities across the region.

Stuart Brocklehurst , Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Business Engagement and Innovation added: “The University of Exeter has deep roots in Cornwall, dating back to the founding of Camborne School of Mines in 1888, strengthened by the creation of the Institute of Cornish Studies in 1971 and reaching its full expression with the opening of our Penryn Campus in 2004.

“Our role with communities across Cornwall is of deep importance to us, and it’s wonderful to be partnering with The Cornwall Colleges Group to deliver practical effect to this, widening access to higher education, developing skills pathways into the industries of the future and supporting the needs of businesses across the Duchy.”