Pershore College is throwing open its doors this week, giving young people and their families the chance to explore its brand-new facilities and secure a place on a course starting September.
The Drop-in and Discover Days take place on Thursday, August 21 and Friday, August 22 August from 10am to 3pm and will showcase the college’s £2m investment in new learning spaces, social areas and specialist training facilities.
Visitors can tour the brand-new Construction Academy with provision for courses in plumbing, carpentry, brickwork and multiskills, as well as the Roots and Radiance hair and beauty salon with adjoining barbershop.
The revamped Pershore College gym. s
Pershore, part of the WCG group of five further and higher education colleges across Worcestershire and Warwickshire, is also expanding facilities to accommodate courses in digital art and design, motor vehicle studies, and land-based learning with the development of an on-site farm to complement the existing Animal Care and Veterinary Nursing Centre.
This investment in part follows a decision in May to close Evesham New College from the beginning of this academic year citing ‘student recruitment and financial challenges’ and move students over to Pershore, which celebrated its 70th anniversary last year.
Prospective students can also see the upgraded catering areas and social spaces, alongside a relaunched gym to support the new football and tennis academies.
As part of the college’s investment in facilities, a dedicated coach service will provide free transport between Evesham and Pershore for all full-time students who are transitioning from Evesham New College to Pershore College, as well as for those who are due to start courses next month.
Meanwhile, WCG has also announced that Kate Hartshorn joined as the new campus principal on Monday, August 18 to lead Pershore into its next stage of growth.
Kate, whose on mum studied at Pershore more than 50 years ago is said to bring a ‘passion for land-based learning’ and strong experience in adult education, NEET engagement, and provision for 14 to 16-year-olds who’ve disengaged from mainstream school.
Sara-Jane Watkins, Principal and CEO of WCG, said: “This is an exciting new chapter for Pershore College. We’re creating a thriving, inclusive campus right here in Wychavon where students can learn, train and build their future.
“Thursday’s Drop-in and Discover Day is the perfect chance to see what’s on offer and discover how to join us this September.”
The Drop-in and Discover Days are open to anyone looking to join a course this September, and no booking is needed.
Visit wcg.ac.uk/dropin for more details.
