The inspirational role of colleges is being celebrated by Keele University as part of a national week-long awareness event.

Colleges Week, which runs from March 3rd, is a national event that highlights the vital role colleges play in building brighter futures for their students and supporting local businesses and communities.

Keele is proud to be partnered with six colleges in the region, working closely with them to further opportunities and break down barriers to opportunity for learners. The University is partnered with Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, Stoke-on-Trent College, Shrewsbury Colleges Group, Telford College and Cheshire College South and West.

Professor Mark Ormerod OBE, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Keele University, said: "Strong partnerships with our local further education colleges are vital to help bridge the gap between further and higher education and are integral to our outreach offer, increasing awareness and opportunities. Keele welcomes large numbers of students from our partner colleges onto our undergraduate programmes every year and we’re really proud of the contribution these students make to our community.

"Focusing on outreach activities, information, advice and guidance, and admissions, networking opportunities with staff and aligning curriculum developments, Keele is working closely with its college partners to ensure that students from across the region can access the university and are fully aware of the opportunities available to them.

"Insight from the colleges has also been instrumental in helping Keele shape its admissions practices and better understand the needs of the next generation of learners looking to study in higher education. We're excited about continuing our work over the coming years to support learners to build brighter futures."

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