University announces strategic partnership with Sandwell College

The University of Wolverhampton and Sandwell College have announced a new Strategic Partnership Alliance, designed to enhance the educational development and career opportunities of young people across the region.

The alliance will see both institutions working together to identify synergies between their facilities, resources and activities, to boost opportunities across their respective communities and work together on joint projects to maximise prospects for students.

The University of Wolverhampton and Sandwell College have been educational partners since 1998 and share a commitment to improving outcomes within less advantaged and under-represented communities. Their focus lies across the West Midlands and Black Country in areas where there are skills gaps, low levels of graduate employment and a marked attainment gap between socio-economic groups.

The formal documentation of the Strategic Partnership Alliance represents a wider promise to local communities to create a clear progression pathway for young people and adults across Sandwell, which includes the promise of a place at the University of Wolverhampton if they achieve a specified grade.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, Professor Geoff Layer, said: "Providing a high quality of education for the community of the Black Country is a key part of our mission at the University of Wolverhampton, as the University of Opportunity.

"This strategic partnership with Sandwell College will allow us to continue to build strong collaborative partnerships in the region in order to help young people aspire and access higher education."

Graham Pennington, Principal and Chief Executive at Sandwell College, commented: “We are delighted to announce this Strategic Partnership Alliance, and recognise the benefits it will bring to our students whilst also driving prospects within the local community. We want to ensure that learners of all backgrounds and abilities have the opportunity to succeed, and through previous work with the University of Wolverhampton, it is clear that our values are closely aligned.

“Sandwell College has close links with local community groups and employers, and we work hard to unlock the full potential of students, increasing their options for Higher Education, employment and apprenticeships. We are excited at the opportunity to support regional success in partnership with the University, and look forward to working together towards our common goal.”