Peterborough’s Education Providers Share Ambition to Drive Skills and Economic Growth

In a move set to transform the region’s educational landscape, Peterborough’s three leading education institutions, ARU Peterborough, Inspire Education Group and University Centre Peterborough (UCP), have announced a trailblazing collaboration aimed at boosting skills development, increasing access to education, and driving the city’s and region’s economic growth.

University Centre Peterborough, part of Inspire Education Group, has been providing degree-level education in the city since 2009, providing students with access to higher education courses and professional development opportunities. ARU Peterborough opened in 2022, expanding the opportunities to access high-quality education in the city through its wide range of career-focused undergraduate and postgraduate courses, while Inspire Education Group is the largest local provider of post-16 education with two main campuses in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.

The collaboration will focus on the shared goal of creating a highly skilled, diverse workforce, providing students with the training and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s evolving job market. The partnership also aims to create a lasting impact on the wider region by ensuring that the skills developed through higher education align with the needs of students, local employers and industries, while also establishing Peterborough and the region as a national leader for social mobility, with a commitment to lifelong learning and development.

The three institutions will collectively promote the work, achievements, and ambitions of the city on the national stage. The institutions are also committed to working together on initiatives that encourage student engagement, making Peterborough even more student-friendly. Furthermore, they aim to support efforts to attract high-quality staff to work in further and higher education in the city, ensuring that Peterborough remains a vibrant, academic hub as well as a skills hub.

Liz Knight, Academic Director at University Centre Peterborough, commented, “The signing of this agreement signifies the collective ambition to serve the people of Peterborough and surrounding areas.  University Centre Peterborough, Inspire Education Group and ARU Peterborough are committed to meeting the needs of students and employers by offering high-quality routes to careers. By supporting social mobility within the city we can have a positive and long-lasting impact on the lives of generations to come.  As anchor institutions, we can work with communities and provide supportive and innovative routes to success in raising the aspiration of the city.”

Professor Ross Renton, Principal of ARU Peterborough, said: “We are passionate about Peterborough and this collaboration can help to raise the city’s profile for educational excellence, showcasing how it can be a truly fantastic place to live, work and study.

“Historically, the city has been a higher education cold spot, but this is changing. We recognise there is great ambition and potential within our region, alongside employers seeking highly skilled workers, it is our responsibility to unlock this potential by creating inspiring opportunities for learners of all ages. By working closely with Inspire Education Group and University Centre Peterborough, together we can further improve social mobility and educational opportunities throughout the city and the wider region.”

“This exciting partnership marks a significant step forward for Peterborough,” said Rachel Nicholls, CEO of Inspire Education Group. “We share a deep commitment to widening participation and providing high-quality, accessible education that empowers individuals and strengthens our community. By working together on our shared priorities, we can create even greater opportunities for our students, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the modern economy, while also driving economic growth and establishing Peterborough as a leading skills hub.”