UCS College Group
Transforming LivesFrom the CEO
“Our vision is to pioneer, collaborate, inspire and transform – redefining what further education delivers for people, employers and place. We will inspire every student to realise their potential, strengthen communities and transform lives. I can’t think of a better ambition than to inspire our students and transform our communities.
We need to celebrate everything about the places where we’re based and do all we can to enrich them by delivering exceptional education and training that creates opportunities for all.
I am proud of our Colleges and their place at the heart of their communities. You, our staff team, are crucial to the impact we make. Let’s build on all that we do well, embrace new challenges, and continue growing. That way, we can shape our future, together.”
Andy Berry, CBE, CEO of UCS College Group
From the Group Executive Principal
“At the core of our mission to deliver transformational education is the student experience. Every member of our team at every college in UCS College Group is united around this objective: to ensure our students receive the highest-quality teaching and learning opportunities at every level of study, including FE, HE and professional accreditations. That’s how we’ll inspire them to build their future and pursue a rewarding career.
I see our strategy as a continuation of the excellent work already being delivered by every college in the group. Working closely with College Principals and the Dean of UCS, our task is to shape our curriculum offer so it serves the needs of our local communities, supports our students, and enlivens the whole region.”
Louise Rowley, MBE, Group Executive Principal
Stronger together. Individually brilliant.
Each College – Bridgwater, Cannington, Strode and Taunton – along with the award-winning University Centre Somerset, are committed to the delivery of inspirational teaching, learning and skills development, creating a culture of academic excellence, safety, and inclusivity.
Explore UCS College Group
Below, you’ll find useful links and discover the sheer scale, strategic direction, and operational footprint of the Group.
I want to understand the Group’s direction
Discover the “North Star” that anchors every decision, investment, and partnership across our institutions.
I want to see how you influence national policy
Explore the leadership team shaping the UK skills system and driving regional prosperity.
I want build a career with real impact
Join a team of 1,500+ dedicated staff raising aspirations and driving social mobility in the South West.
I want to explore your facilities and businesses
Discover our educational institutions commercial venues, and vast estates that underpin our operations.
I want to learn about your core values
Every institution in UCS College Group share intrinsic values to ensure we create environments in which everyone can excel.
I am looking for a specific policy or report
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance across all our institutions. This central repository houses all our strategies, policies, and formal reports.
My business wants to partner with the Group
Our dedicated Business Development Team are here to help you navigate the complexities of the modern skills landscape.
employer partners.
annual turnover.
total students.
An anchor organisation within the community
We are committed to widening socio-economic opportunities across Somerset. By partnering with local district councils and driving local labour agreements, we ensure that our educational output directly supports community resilience.
With us, you are connecting with an organisation that has a track record of unlocking UK funding for major infrastructure projects, influencing Whitehall skills policy, and delivering creative solutions for European-scale industrial developments.
Our distinct identities
Bridgwater College: A national flagship for post-post-16 education, recognised for seamless pathways from entry to higher level and professional study.
Cannington College: A nationally renowned land based college, specialising in sustainability and Clean Energy.
Strode College: One of the highest performing colleges in the country, delivering sixth-form provision and creating exceptional outcomes for all.
Taunton College: A nationally recognised, award-winning leader in professional, technical and future-focused education.
University Centre Somerset: The HE provider of choice in our local communities, delivering in all four colleges.
The Group is a unified educational powerhouse comprising Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, Taunton College, and University Centre Somerset.
Together, we operate as one of the largest College Groups in the UK.
The Group was formed to create a stronger, united force for education in Somerset.
Operating as a single entity allows us to ensure all students receive academic excellence as standard, regardless of which College you attend.
It also enables us to influence national policy, and share world-class resources across our institutions.
Yes. While the Group speaks with one voice and operates with a shared identity, each individual college retains its distinctiveness and highly specialised curriculum focus.
We leverage the distinctive identities of our colleges to:
- Shape local communities
- Lead the education and skills agenda.
We speak with one voice and operate with a shared identity, but our ethos and culture are place-based, celebrating all that makes our colleges and local communities special.
The Group’s role is to nurture, scaffold, and encourage, so we can grow together and achieve our goals.
Beyond education, we support local supply chains, provide public commercial services (like our theatres, activity centre and golf club), and collaborate with services to reduce the number of young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs).