Gloucestershire College has announced it's opening a new campus at the former University of Gloucestershire Hardwick campus in Cheltenham.
Aiming to provide more pathways into further education and employment for local young people, the college will open its second campus in the borough this September 2026, with an initial focus on delivering its First Steps and construction programmes.
Just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, the site will be redeveloped with modern and accessible facilities while the college recruits for 'a range' of roles to support the expansion.
The new campus strengthens the college's response to priorities laid out by Gloucestershire County Council in its plan for children and young people to 2030, which calls for stronger transition pathways into further education, better guidance and support into adulthood, with a strong emphasis on improving access, inclusion and progression for 16 to 25-year-olds, including those who need extra support, training or employment.
The college says the new campus directly supports those aims by increasing local post-16 provision and reducing the need for young people to travel further to access the right course.
Matthew Burgess, principal and CEO of Gloucestershire College, said: 'We are extremely proud of this development; expanding our provision in Cheltenham with a bespoke facility represents a major investment in the county鈥檚 future skills pipeline.
'Gloucestershire College has a strong track record in responding to learner demand, and we are confident that this investment will deliver tangible benefits for local young people.
'Our new campus will provide a modern, accessible learning environment, with an initial focus on our First Steps provision. These supportive, entry-level programmes help young people build confidence, develop essential English, maths and digital skills, as well as explore future study or career options in a friendly and flexible environment.
'With our tailored programmes and strong links with local employers and support services, this expanded provision will help more Cheltenham residents overcome barriers, reengage with learning, and progress into positive, sustainable destinations.'
The site was secured from Gloucestershire-based MF Freeman Group, through a collaborative process involving Bruton Knowles and HCR Law. Its refurbishment is set to begin in the coming weeks.
