University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth sign memorandum of understanding

Celebrating our mutual commitment to the people of Plymouth and the surrounding area
Jackie Grubb and Professor Dame Judith Petts DBE
A longstanding partnership between Plymouth’s two biggest education providers that has benefitted more than 20,000 students was celebrated with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this week (Tuesday 18 June 2024).
The University of Plymouth and City College Plymouth have worked together for more than 30 years, but the MOU marks the beginning of a new era for the relationship, as the two institutions agree to a series of objectives that will benefit the city and wider region.
At the heart of the collaboration is the drive to support the local economy through education and skills development. 

Whilst the University works with many academic partners, our relationship with City College Plymouth has always been among the most important.

We are close neighbours in every sense, with shared values and a deep commitment to the people of Plymouth and the surrounding area.
I am delighted to have signed this MOU that strengthens and extends our collaboration as two of the city’s key institutions, with a mutual strategic commitment to industry, employers and civic engagement through our employees, learners, and communities

Judith Petts DBEJudith Petts DBE
Vice-Chancellor

Audience at the Memorandum of Understanding signing event
Invited guests were at a celebratory event, marking the signing of the MOU

The college’s partnership with the University of Plymouth began with just eight higher education students in 1991. It has since grown to support thousands of degree-level students annually and nearly 18,000 degree-level qualifications have been awarded through our collaboration. As a college, we are committed to expanding access to higher education and providing more opportunities for students in Plymouth. We’re delighted to continue working alongside the University to support the needs of our community and ensure a prosperous future for our city, together.

Jackie Grubb, Chief Executive of City College Plymouth
Jackie Grubb and Professor Dame Judith Petts in conversation with the leader of Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans
Jackie Grubb and Professor Dame Judith Petts DBE in conversation with the leader of Plymouth City Council, Tudor Evans
By working together, City College Plymouth and the University of Plymouth will continue to focus on raising aspirations and improving attainment in schools, and expanding access to higher education.
Knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and access to new funding opportunities will also be facilitated as part of the partnership.
In addition to the almost 18,000 people who have studied degree-level qualifications awarded by the University at the college, thousands more students have progressed to top-up years in the city or moved from Access courses to degrees.
Jackie Grubb and Professor Dame Judith Petts DBE