College signs up to ground-breaking alliance

Working in partnership with our friends from Durham University and the other three Durham colleges, Derwentside College, East Durham College and New College Durham we have formalised a ground-breaking partnership to expand education opportunities and

Over recent years, the five institutions have worked together on expanding employment and apprenticeship opportunities, piloting T Level placements and improving progression routes for post-16 education. The alliance has now formalised with the singing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU celebrates what the Alliance has already achieved while setting a three-year vision for how it can be further developed to meet local, regional and national education and skills needs. Each institution has pledged to continue working together across seven key areas. These include workforce development, establishing clear pathways into higher education and seeking to minimise unproductive competition while maximising the strength of the Alliance’s collective offer.

The MoU was signed by Principal and Chief Executive Shaun Hope and leaders from the other institutions. Shaun said, “This is a ground-breaking moment for the College, the alliance and the wider region, building upon the strong foundations for collaboration. In County Durham, we have four high-performing colleges and a world-class university working together. Collectively we can reach the wider community to expand education and drive economic growth.”

The signing took place at Durham University’s Collingwood College and was attended by guests including college governors, local dignitaries, MPs and former students from the colleges who are now studying at Durham University.