157 Group case studies highlight colleges' recession-beating work

The 157 Group has published a set of six case studies describing how member colleges are working with local people and businesses to help them find creative solutions to the challenges they face and capitalise on new opportunities. The case studies feature the innovative work being done by:

• City and Islington College
• City of Bristol College
• Cornwall College
• St Helens College
• Stoke on Trent College
• West Nottinghamshire College

Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group, said, "While providing education and training to enrich people's lives is an important part of colleges' work, the severity of the current economic downturn gives a real sense of urgency to the economic mission of colleges and their crucial role in supporting local businesses. Our purpose in sharing these stories is to illustrate the good work being done by 157 Group colleges and the enormous contribution they make to their local communities, society and the wider economy."

Graham Moore OBE, 157 Group chair, said, "FE colleges are at the heart of their communities, ensuring that today’s students and their employers gain the skills that will carry us out of the recession and into a secure and prosperous future. These case studies show why colleges need to be acknowledged as key strategic partners in their sub-regions, working with their communities, local authorities, Jobcentre Plus and employers to spearhead recovery, economic growth and social cohesion."

The 157 Group's next set of case studies, to be published in the summer, will examine the role that colleges play in improving social inclusion and community cohesion.

Notes to Editors

The six case studies are available to download in PDF format click here to view

About the 157 Group

The 157 group represents 26 of the most influential Colleges in the FE sector.
It was formed in 2006 in response to paragraph 157 of Sir Andrew Foster’s report on the future of further education colleges in which he argued that principals of large successful colleges should play a greater role in policymaking.

Contact

Kat Fletcher 0796 645 3808; [email protected]

The 157 Group Limited
5th Floor, St Andrews House
18-20 St Andrews Street
London EC4A 3AY

Email: [email protected]