There are over 1,350 students on roll who come from
an a very rural background: most students come from the immediate
district which covers over 400 square miles, however there are some
students who travel over 20 miles to get to school. There were
boarders at the College until 2005.
In 2007 significant research was undertaken by the college in to
the economic needs of the local area. The under-developed tourist
industry was seen to be of significant local importance and the
absence of any further and higher education facility led to a
'capping' of the skill level of the local population.
Since then the College has been concerned with the delivery of the
specialised diplomas. Working with the neighbouring schools and
colleges in the county we have developed a rural model for
vocational skills training delivery. Added to that the development
of higher education in the region has identified north Cornwall as
an area where a physical university presence is required. We have,
therefore, partnered with the Combined Universities in Cornwall to
accommodate HE learners in the development.
The strategy for developing vocational provision in North Cornwall
involves four key areas:
• E-learning
• Peripatetic staff
• Specialist hub provision
• Locally based provision.
Each of these integrates with each other to provide a flexible and
personalised solution which strives to minimise the need for
excessive travel around the region.
Construction is due to start this summer and will include a
catering kitchen, fine dining room, brasserie style restaurant,
lounges, IT suite and a range of styles of bedroom. We envisage the
facility being run by butler's teams and will be overseen by a
small number of permanent staff. The construction phase is due for
completion in the summer of 2011 and we will start delivery with a
small cohort from September 2010 using standard teaching facilities
and moving into the full facility the following autumn.
For more information about the subject of this case study - contact
Iain
Freeland, Deputy Principal of Launceston College or visit
the Launceston College website