| Newbury College | |
| Coordinates: | 51.3825°N -1.3229°W |
| Other Name: | University Centre Newbury |
| Motto: | Creating opportunities to transform lives |
| Established: | 1948 |
| Former Names: | Newbury Institute of Further Education, South Berkshire College of Further Education |
| Head Label: | Principal |
| Head: | Iain Wolloff |
| Address: | Monks Lane |
| Country: | England |
| Postcode: | RG14 7TD |
| Ofsted: | yes |
| Dfeno: | 869/8001 |
| Urn: | 130602 |
| Gender: | Mixed |
| Lower Age: | 16 |
| Upper Age: | 99 |
Newbury College is a college of further education in the southern outskirts of Newbury, Berkshire, England, for anyone aged 16 or over. It was established in 1948 as Newbury Institute of Further Education.[1]
Newbury College was founded in 1948 as Newbury Institute of Further Education, one of the first educational institutions established after the Education Act 1944. This Act reformed the UK education system by providing free secondary education, raising the school leaving age to 15, and introducing compulsory part-time education until the age of 18.
The college initially operated from Ormonde House on Oxford Road,[2] using a range of makeshift facilities including wooden sheds, chicken huts, and a wooden chapel. The first students were involved in building their own classrooms, gaining practical skills from the outset. By the end of its first year, the college had enrolled over 1,500 students, including 158 day-release students working towards qualifications in trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, and plumbing, and over 1,350 evening students studying subjects such as art and home craft.[3]
In 1951, the institution was rebranded as the South Berkshire College of Further Education following a £250,000 investment to expand its facilities and curriculum. This period marked the first intake of full-time students, who enrolled in the Pre-Apprenticeship course for building and engineering and the Commercial course in shorthand and typewriting. By the early 1960s, the college had moved all its departments into new buildings on the Oxford Road site.
During the 1960s, Newbury College established itself as a key provider of further education in West Berkshire, offering a wide range of community learning courses across the region. The college’s focus on community engagement was a testament to its commitment to providing accessible education and training to a broad audience.[4]
In 1972, the college welcomed 90 Ugandan Asian refugees, integrating them into full-time programmes.[5] This period also marked the introduction of comprehensive education in West Berkshire, with significant modernisation of local secondary schools and the establishment of sixth-form education.[6]
The college was renamed Newbury College in 1975, following county boundary changes.
In the 1980s, Newbury College adapted to the changes brought by the Education Reform Act 1988, which introduced a National Curriculum and created a more competitive educational environment.
By the early 1990s, the college’s Oxford Road site had reached full capacity, prompting discussions about relocation and expansion to serve its growing student population better.[7]
In 1993, following the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, Newbury College was incorporated, gaining independence from the local authority.
In 1995, the Monks Lane site on Newbury's Sandleford/Greenham border was chosen for the relocation and expansion of the college.[8]
In 2002, Newbury College became the first Private Finance Initiative (PFI) college in the UK when it moved to a new, purpose-built 40-acre campus at Monks Lane.[9] Sir Peter Michael officially opened the campus, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, in 2003.
Throughout the 2010s, Newbury College continued to grow, adapting its curriculum to meet the changing demands of the job market. The college introduced more courses in areas such as IT, digital media, and renewable energy, reflecting the importance of these sectors in the modern economy. Additionally, the college invested in digital learning tools and online resources to support flexible and remote learning.
In 2012, the college opened a Sports Hall and Construction Skills Centre[10] under the leadership of Principal Dr Anne Murdoch, who was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Further Education.[11] In 2017, the college further expanded with a £1 million Engineering Solutions Laboratory[12] to support STEM education and the launch of a Degree Apprenticeship programme in partnership with Buckinghamshire New University.
In 2018, Iain Wolloff succeeded Dr Murdoch as Principal and continued to develop the college, including plans to establish a university centre to broaden higher education opportunities. Additionally, construction of Highwood Copse, a new primary school within the college grounds, began in 2018.[13]
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unprecedented challenges, and Newbury College swiftly adapted by implementing remote learning solutions to ensure continuity of education.
In 2020, Newbury College opened University Centre Newbury (UCN), which provides higher education opportunities to support the local community and businesses in developing skilled professionals.[14]
In 2021, the college launched the Renewables Centre, designed to equip students with the skills necessary for the growing renewable energy sector. The centre offers training in technologies such as solar PV, air source heat pumps, and other sustainable energy systems, aligning with the UK's goal to reduce carbon emissions.[15] [16]
Newbury College provides a variety of full-time courses for school leavers, including vocational qualifications and T Levels, which combine classroom learning with practical experience. These courses are designed to prepare students for either higher education or direct entry into the workforce.[17]
Newbury College offers several specialist academy programmes that combine academic study with professional training in specific disciplines:
The college offers a range of apprenticeship programmes, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. These programmes are available in various sectors, including engineering, construction, business, and health care.[21]
Through University Centre Newbury (UCN), Newbury College offers higher education qualifications, including HNDs, and degree apprenticeships. These programmes are designed to provide advanced skills and knowledge, supporting both personal development and career progression.[22]
For those looking to advance their careers, Newbury College offers a range of professional development courses. These include industry-recognised certifications and training in areas such as accounting, management, digital skills, and trades, helping professionals stay competitive in their fields.[23]
Newbury College is committed to supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The college provides tailored programmes that help high needs students develop essential life skills, achieve qualifications, and prepare for independent living or employment.[24]
For adults seeking to gain new skills, Newbury College offers a wide range of adult education courses. These include part-time evening classes, short courses, and online learning options in subjects like modern languages, computing, mathematics and English.[25]
The Newbury College campus is situated on a 40-acre site at Monks Lane, Newbury, UK. The campus is known for its green spaces, including a small lake, and offers easy access to nearby amenities such as the neighbouring retail park.
Newbury College itself hosts a variety of educational and professional training spaces.
The college features modern classrooms, specialised studios, and workshops equipped for a wide range of subjects, including engineering, art, and digital media.[26]
The college operates a commercial restaurant that provides a real-world training environment for hospitality and catering students.
There are professional salons on campus where students in hairdressing and beauty therapy can hone their skills with real clients.
The sports facilities include a full-sized sports hall and a small gym, supporting both college courses and community activities.
The Busy Bees Nursery provides childcare services on campus, offering a safe and nurturing environment for young children. It is conveniently located for both students and staff.[27]
The Castle School Sixth Form, located within the campus, offers tailored education for students with special educational needs, helping them transition smoothly into adulthood.[28]
Highwood Copse Primary School is a new addition to the campus, providing primary education with a focus on developing key skills in a nurturing environment. The school was established in partnership with Newbury College.[29]