Partnerships
From 2009-2010, the most important imperative for the College has been to develop strategic partnerships which enhance the College’s reputation as a niche training provider, ensure its position against a backdrop of unprecedented market conditions, and improve learner outcomes for students aspiring to enter general further education.
Since then, we have formed very successful partnerships to launch Reading College, The National School of Furniture, Oxford Spires Academy and UTC Reading.
But the future of the College will also rely on securing alternative funding streams. In 2009-2010, the College was successful in its bid to become Knowledge and Technology Transfer (KTT) champions for the south east of England in respect of composites for the aerospace and motorsport sectors. Match funding was secured from the New Engineering Foundation (NEF) and the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) STEM Programme. Larger grants which the College successfully obtained included:
- £102,000 for its Bridging Project aimed at supporting 16 to 19 year old refugees, asylum seekers and other recent immigrants to the UK, helping them to access, remain and progress in education in this country
- £107,000 from CfBT Education Trust as part of the Government’s flagship initiative to help students increase their literacy and numeracy skills. 148 employees enrolled on the scheme from University Colleges, small and medium-sized enterprises and national companies such as DHL. As a result, some of the learners have been able to apply for Train to Gain programmes and work towards a qualification
- £90,000 from the LSIS Further Education Flexibility and Innovation Fund to set up a number of Job Finder programmes
- £48,000 from the Offender Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) to increase the employability of young offenders
Oxford & Cherwell Valley College is a member of the Windsor Group of Colleges, which includes ten south of England FE colleges.
