University Centre Weston (UCW) and the University of Worcester have officially signed their partnership agreement, marking a significant step forward in their shared mission to expand higher education opportunities in the South West.
The signing ceremony took place on Friday 29th August 2025 at the historic Winter Gardens in Weston-super-Mare, with senior leaders from both institutions in attendance. Following the formal signing, guests toured UCW’s Winter Gardens facilities before visiting the Health and Active Living Skills Centre (HALSC), home to UCW’s state-of-the-art clinical skills, simulation, and health education spaces.
The partnership builds on both institutions’ commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive education that meets the needs of local communities and employers. Together, UCW and the University of Worcester are already collaborating to deliver the new Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship in partnership with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. This innovative programme will equip apprentices with the vital skills, knowledge, and experience needed to thrive as paramedics, directly addressing workforce needs across the region.
Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said:
“We are delighted to be working with University Centre Weston to create new educational and professional opportunities for people in the Southwest.
“We have a long, deep commitment to inclusion and helping people to fulfil their potential.
The official statistics show that Worcester graduates have the best record of sustained employment in the UK*.
Ofsted rates Worcester as ‘Outstanding’ and started its most recent report on us by saying: ‘Trainees benefit from an exceptional learning experience at the University of Worcester.’ We plan to bring this same quality to our work with University Centre Weston, which is such a high-quality education provider itself. Together, we are determined to provide truly valuable educational opportunities for the people of this region.”
Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College Group, added:
“This partnership is about much more than a single programme – it’s about our shared ambition to create opportunities, raise aspirations, and support the needs of local people and employers. UCW and the University of Worcester share a deep commitment to community-focused education, and today’s signing marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
The Paramedic Degree Apprenticeship forms part of UCW’s Healthcare Careers Excellence Hub, which is one of ten sector-specific hubs designed to create clear pathways between education and employment. By working with the University of Worcester, UCW is strengthening its ability to deliver high-quality, employer-responsive programmes that empower learners to achieve their goals while addressing regional and national skills needs.
The event concluded with a tour of UCW’s advanced clinical training facilities at HALSC, where guests saw first-hand the innovative environments that will support future cohorts of health and social care professionals.
This partnership represents a significant investment in the future of higher education in the South West and underlines both institutions shared vision of excellence, opportunity, and community impact.
*Longitudinal Education Outcome statistics from inception to date (2017-2025 combined, excluding specialist institutions)..”
