Ludlow College is looking for a new funding partner (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Ludlow College is looking for a new funding partner

2:51pm Friday 15th June 2012 in News

LUDLOW College is looking for a partner to secure its future.

But students and staff are being assured that for the time being it is business as usual.

The Education Funding Agency is working together with Ludlow College and Shropshire Council to improve and increase post-16 education and training in the area.

A formal process is now starting to enable prospective investors to put forward proposals to improve the educational options on offer in Ludlow.

Ludlow College has invested about £1 million over the past 18 months to be able to offer a curriculum that addresses the employment and skills needs of south Shropshire.

This includes a training kitchen and restaurant, onsite travel agency, new fitness suite, media suite and upgraded science facilities.

As the smallest college in the country, management and governors said they recognised the need for investment to deliver the local authority’s ambition for continuing development for high quality post-16 education.

“This is an exciting development and brings major improvements for students and the wider community,” said Ewart Carson, chairman of governors. “We feel that seeking an investor is the best solution for present and future students and will help us work with Shropshire council and the EFA to achieve our vision to provide high quality learning opportunities for young people and the community.

“Exciting opportunities are already on the table, which include the introduction of hair and beauty courses, and further investment can make those plans a reality.”

Details of potential partners have not been revealed but the Advertiser understands Ludlow College is in talks with a midlands university.

“We have seen a significant increase in student applications compared to the same period last year, and there are exciting opportunities to develop new courses for the benefit of learners in Ludlow and south Shropshire,” said Jonathan Davis, principal.

“An investment partner will help us to realise the ambitions. “We would like to reassure students and parents that it remains ‘business as usual’ and there will be no noticeable changes on a day-to-day basis.” He said talks are also being held with staff at the college.

Expressions of interest will be invited from prospective partners over the summer, with the new arrangements intended to be confirmed in the autumn