Bournemouth and Poole College and Bournemouth University Strengthen Partnership to Support Student Progression

The collaboration will assist more students from Bournemouth and Poole College in progressing into higher education through creating more accessible routes, supporting aspirations and helping to meet the region’s future skills needs.

This week, Bournemouth and Poole College Principal and CEO, Phil Sayles, joined Bournemouth University Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Alison Honour, to sign the agreement to formalise the collaboration, denoting a significant milestone in the partnership.

As part of the collaboration, students who complete the Level 3 course in Applied Psychology, Criminology and Law at the college will benefit from direct progression onto relevant degree programmes at Bournemouth University. Around 210 students currently studying across the two-year programme could take advantage of the streamlined pathway.

The enhanced progression routes will also assist in strengthening the college’s courses to prospective students by providing recognised pathways into higher education, helping students to make informed decisions about their futures.

To support students in planning their next steps, around 100 Bournemouth & Poole College students visited Bournemouth University earlier this year to experience university life, meet academic staff and explore degree-level study. Following the success of the visit, it is set to become an annual event, with another cohort expected to visit in April 2027.

Phil Sayles, Principal and CEO of Bournemouth and Poole College, said:

"At Bournemouth and Poole College, we are committed to ensuring every learner has a clear pathway to achieve their ambitions. Strengthening our partnership with Bournemouth University creates even greater opportunities for our students to progress readily into higher education, while remaining in the local area if they choose.

"This collaboration reflects our joint commitment to widening participation as well as ensuring young people have the confidence, support and opportunities to take the next step in their education. By working closely together, we are helping to build a stronger pipeline of skilled graduates who will contribute to the future success of our communities and local economy."