Evesham New College is set to close its doors in September with educational provision moving to Pershore, it has been announced.
Bosses at the campus on Davies Road, part of college group WCG, today opened a six-week consultation with staff, students, and the wider community (Tuesday, March 25).
A statement issued by WCG said that the college had faced ‘student recruitment and financial viability challenges’ in recent times with 60 per cent of the campus having already exited following the gradual transfer of provision to Pershore College over the past four years.
It believes that has created a ‘suboptimal learning environment’ for students, and that full consolidation to Pershore College will provide a ‘far more positive and enriching experience’.
The statement went on to say that the consultation was part of WCG’s ‘ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality education’ and to ensure that all students have access to the ‘best possible facilities and resources’.
Sara-Jane Watkins, CEO and principal of WCG who joined the group in September 2024, said the college’s priority was to provide the best possible learning environment for students.
Sara-Jane Wakins, CEO and principal of WCG.
“By consolidating our provision at Pershore College, we can offer our students access to modern facilities, a wider range of courses, and an enhanced social experience.
“This move is about ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential,” she said, adding it was recognised the proposal would raise questions about staffing, and the college would work closely with trade unions to minimise impact on jobs.
“We will work closely with our staff, students, and the wider community throughout this consultation process. Their input will be invaluable as we finalise our plans and ensure a seamless transition for all learners.
“This is an opportunity to strengthen our provision and deliver an outstanding educational experience at Pershore College,” she added.
WCG has confirmed that all of the current courses at Evesham New College will be retained and delivered at Pershore College from September 2025.
This includes full-time courses in carpentry, plumbing, motor vehicle, graphic design, art, esports, games design, hair, beauty, and barbering, apprenticeship programmes, evening and weekend classes.
In addition to carpentry, new provision in brickwork, plastering, painting/decorating, electrical and groundworks will be introduced at Pershore, aligning with regional skills priorities.
WCG has also promised it will provide dedicated transport from Evesham to Pershore as well as from Pershore Train Station to the campus.
The news comes on the back of a December announcement that WCG had been bailed out by the government following concerns about its financial position.
As reported by the Observer, the WCG board requested a ‘health check’ assessment which was headed up by Further Education Commissioner (FEC) Shelagh Legrave, whose subsequent report noted WCG had “experienced significant financial challenge” for several years.
Ms Legrave concluded at the time: “With no emergency support or loans, the college will run out of unrestricted cash during January 2025 and needs £1.7million support.”
The consultation is asking what people’s views are on the proposed move and whether they have any concerns about the transition.
Visit https://wcg.ac.uk/eveshamconsultation for further information and to have your say on the consultation which will end May 9.
The Observer will bring you further updates on this story when we have them.
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