AT A TIME of uncertainty in higher education Weston College is celebrating its 10-year relationship with Bath Spa University and has signed up for another decade.

Ofsted has recognised Bath Spa University and Weston College’s teacher training programme provision as outstanding.

College principal, Dr Paul Phillips, said: “Working with Bath Spa has been extremely beneficial to us, Weston and North Somerset. We’ve achieved our ambition to offer quality higher education in the area.

“We anticipate further growth and I hope this event can be seen as the start of Weston being viewed as a university town, offering even more higher education qualifications.”

At a ceremony held at the college, Bath Spa University’s vice chancellor, Professor Frank Morgan, signed an agreement to work with the college for the next 10 years.

Professor Morgan said: “We are celebrating a partnership which has enriched both institutions. Weston College offers great academic quality and excellent attention to resources.”

Ten-years-ago Weston College saw 70 students begin higher education and degree courses. Now 600 students are enrolled and almost 1,000 have gained degrees. About 20 per cent of these have gained first class honours, which is more than double the eight per cent national average.

Weston College opened its own university campus in 2007 and now has student accommodation to provide for those who wish to study at degree level in the town.

College director, Anthony Murray, who has overseen the partnership, said: “Higher education is going through a tough time and the agreement with Bath Spa University is crucial to ensure our continued growth and confidence.”