Bridgwater College has become the 32nd college to join the 157 Group. The college, based in Somerset, is the organisation’s sixth new recruit since the start of 2016.
The 157 Group of colleges has now expanded its membership by nearly a quarter since it completed its strategic review in January. Bridgwater College is the most recent college to join the organisation since Middlesbrough College became a member in March.
This year, the 157 Group has recruited Cardiff and Vale College, City College Plymouth, South Thames College, South Staffordshire College and Middlesbrough College and now Bridgwater College into its ranks.
Bridgwater was named FE college of the year in the 2016 TES FE Awards after judges said it was among the UK’s most successful FE colleges.
‘A truly world class institution’
Ian Pretty, CEO of the 157 Group, said: “We are thrilled to announce that Bridgwater College has joined the 157 Group. Outstanding Bridgwater College…[was] recently named the 2016 TES FE Awards FE college of the year, [and] is truly a world-class institution. They bring a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to their students, which they develop through leading edge practice and partnerships with employers. Bridgwater College proactively work to maximise the skills, investment and career opportunities for employers and learners in their region, and are a leading provider of business training to employers across Somerset.”
Mike Robbins, principal of Bridgwater College, said: “We are delighted to be joining the 157 Group and look forward to the prospect of working with like-minded and forward-thinking colleges to share ideas, learn from each other and jointly confront some of the challenges facing the sector.”
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