SOMERSET College, in Taunton, has today (Wednesday, July 22) announced its intention to explore the possibility of a partnership with Bridgwater College.

Following a recent review looking at how the former SCAT college can develop greater choice and improve outcomes for learners, it has considered a number of opportunities with several different organisations.

Of these, a possible partnership with Bridgwater College has been highlighted as a potential way forward.

Such a partnership could lead to the creation of educational centres of excellence serving individuals, businesses and communities across Somerset and beyond.

Rachel Davies, principal of Somerset College, said: "We are tremendously excited by the opportunities this partnership could create.

"We have undertaken an extremely thorough and detailed assessment of possible partners, and Bridgwater College stands out as one which shares our vision, aims and values and one which could support our growth and development.

"This, combined with their focus on employability and quality, would make them an excellent fit for us to work with going forwards.”

A shared commitment to providing the best vocational education and training at further and higher education levels could ensure that skills development, employment opportunities and business and community engagement could be significantly enhanced within Somerset communities.

Ms Davies added: "Our geographical proximity would also be a distinct advantage: creating complementary centres of excellence, we could play to our curriculum strengths while also developing new areas of growth and innovation, and capitalising on each other’s national and international networks.”

As an ‘outstanding’ college both financially and educationally, Bridgwater College is looking forward to exploring the potential of working in partnership with Somerset College.

Mike Robbins, principal of Bridgwater College, said: "At Bridgwater College we have an unrelenting focus on employability and inclusivity, supporting learners of all ages and abilities into work or higher education via academic or vocational, job-related training.

"We see a similar focus at Somerset College and we are keen to explore how we might work together to provide complementary centres of excellence across both towns, providing a first class, fully inclusive and vibrant education provision to serve Somerset and beyond.”

The two colleges will now work together to explore the details of this potential partnership.

There will also be an open consultation process to seek the views of learners, staff, local businesses and community members.

Further details about this will be shared in due course through the Somerset College website.

In the meantime, education and training provision continues as usual at both colleges.