Partnership agreement aims to support students to access higher education

An agreement aimed at supporting students close to home to enter higher education has been signed by the University of Suffolk and three local college groups.

Over the next three years, the progression agreements are designed to widen participation in higher education, while recognising the cost-of-living pressures that can be a barrier to further study.

The partnerships have been signed with Suffolk New College in Ipswich; East Coast College, based in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth and including Lowestoft Sixth Form College; and Eastern Education Group, which comprises of One Sixth Form College in Ipswich, and Abbeygate Sixth Form College and West Suffolk College both in Bury St Edmunds.

Professor Rachel Allen, University of Suffolk Provost, said: “We are pleased to strengthen the longstanding partnerships between the University and Suffolk New College, East Coast College and Eastern Education Group through these new progression agreements.

“By providing a clear and supportive pathway to higher education, these agreements will help to ensure that our region’s students can make the most of their potential and take the next step towards their academic and career goals.

“We look forward to working closely with these local education providers to continue championing progression, opportunity and lifelong learning at university.”

The agreements make it more straightforward for Level 3 students to progress to university through measures such as guaranteed offers for those who meet the entry criteria on non-interviewing courses and a Partner Award of £1,000 for eligible students to help ease financial concerns.

Marianne Flack, Deputy Principal of Suffolk New College, said: “We are delighted to have signed this latest progression agreement with the University of Suffolk during their ‘10 years of impact’ campaign.

“The idea is to enhance progression opportunities, provide clear progression routes and increase the number of learners from underrepresented groups going into higher education. And we believe it will give our learners greater access to a degree on their doorstep.

“At Suffolk New College, we are all about helping our students progress and become the best versions of themselves.”

Mrs Flack said that the college gets a number of students who are the first generation in their families to go to university.

“This new deal is great news for them and we are delighted to be strengthening our link and increasing opportunities for our community via this partnership,” she added.

Kerry Payne, Assistant Principal for Higher Education and Access at East Coast College, said: “As a founding partner of the University of Suffolk, East Coast College is proud to continue strengthening its longstanding relationship through this progression agreement.”

She added: “The agreement provides our students with clear and accessible routes into higher education, alongside valuable financial support and enhanced progression opportunities.

“By working together, we are helping more learners to continue their studies locally, raise their aspirations, and progress confidently into higher education and successful careers.”

Laraine Moody, Executive Group Principal at Eastern Education Group, said: “I am delighted by the offer from the University of Suffolk to support Eastern Education Group students to progress to new higher education opportunities within Suffolk.

“Both Eastern Education Group and the University of Suffolk offer a wide range of higher education courses from Level 4 to Level 6 with different study models and benefits.

“We look forward to more Eastern Education Group students taking up these incredible offers and working together with the University.”

The University has also strengthened its partnership with Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA) with a progression agreement for students undertaking the CAVA Access to Higher Education Diploma in FE Colleges across the region.

To find out more about studying at the University of Suffolk, head to the courses webpage here.