Partnerships and community development

We as a College are proud of our reputation as a hub of the community and we strive to forge and maintain links with local businesses and schools, as well as committing ourselves to charitable events in this country and abroad.
 

• Higher education
  In conjunction with the University of Bedfordshire, we offer degree-level qualifications in over 20 different subjects. The University is a vibrant, modern institution, which offers one of the most generous bursary and scholarship schemes in the country. Our partnership means that you can continue degree-level study in the local area and take advantage of the University’s facilities, in which over £60 million has been invested.
• School links
  In 2007-08 over 400 14-16 year old pupils attended the College one day each week to study subjects such as motor vehicle and hairdressing. We also work closely with AimHigher and Gifted & Talented, and support local schools in helping young people make the right choices about their future.
• BedfordBID
  BedfordBID is an important organisation that spends £500,000 a year promoting Bedford town centre and collaborating with both local businesses and the College.
• Train to Gain
  The College has established itself as the lead institution in the Bedfordshire and Luton Opportunities Consortium (BLOC) for the delivery of Train to Gain.
• Local businesses
  We have strong links with local businesses, who provide students with real work experience and apprenticeships.
• Keen to be green
  Bedford College has a reputation as a national leader in the provision of energy and sustainability training, and we are committed to reducing any negative effect of our activities on the environment. Bedford College is also the only further education college to have won the prestigious Green Gown award for sustainability – otherwise only universities have achieved this level of academic recognition.
• All for charity
  In the 2007/08 academic year, students and staff raised nearly £7,000 for local charities and also sponsored the development of a new primary school in one of the poorest parts of Africa.
• Heart
  The College works closely with Heart, the radio station for Bedfordshire, in promotional and sponsorship activities in the local area.
• Bedford Academy
  John Bunyan Upper School is soon to become the Bedford Academy, a specialist science and technology school sponsored by The Bedford Charity (The Harpur Trust) and Bedford College. .
• Nextstep
  The College works closely with Nextstep to provide advice on work, training or learning for adults in the local community.