Coleg Cambria joins 157 Group

The 157 Group education association is racing ahead to extend its reach across all corners of the UK by signing up Coleg Cambria, the new college for North East Wales.

The college is the association’s 30th member and only the second outside of England, after Belfast Metropolitan College joined last month.

Combining Deeside College and Yale College, it is also one of the UK’s largest colleges.

Peter Roberts, chair of the 157 Group, which was formed in 2006 in response to calls for principals of large successful colleges to play a greater role in policymaking, said: “The creation of Coleg Cambria is a significant development, and the college’s strong partnerships with three local authorities and nearly 1,000 employers underline its key role in supporting economic development and social justice in the region.

“We believe that the college will make a positive contribution to the 157 Group’s policymaking and improvement work, offering fresh and valuable ideas from its perspective outside the English further education and skills framework.”

Coleg Cambria principal David Jones said: “Our ambitious vision to be recognised internationally as a college of excellence will be achieved by inspiring our staff; embedding a supportive culture of innovation and creativity; challenging everyone to develop the skills they need to build successful futures; working with employers to develop a dynamic and skilled workforce; and building a safe, inclusive environment at the heart of our communities.

“We look forward to working with other colleges in the 157 Group in pursuit of our shared commitment to exceptional teaching and learning, and continuing improvements in further education.”

* Update Monday, 23 September 2013

157 Group also announced that Scotland’s Aberdeen College will be joining it as a member.

Rob Wallen, principal of the college, said: “We are delighted to be joining the 157 Group and to bring the Scottish perspective to the work of the organisation. We look forward to the opportunity to share practice with other members; to work together for sector improvement; and to influence policymakers considering the future of the FE and skills sector.”

Natalie Thornhill