Gloucestershire College set to open new campus in Cheltenham
Summary
Gloucestershire College is set to open its second campus in Cheltenham later this year, at a former University of Gloucestershire site. The new college campus has been secured from Gloucestershire-based MF Freeman Group, and will open at the refurbished 37,000sq ft Hardwick university campus. Located a 10-minute walk from the town centre, it will become the college’s second site in Cheltenham.
Details
The campus will help meet growing demand for post-16 education across the county, with a particular focus on Construction and First Steps programmes starting from September 2026. Matthew Burgess, principal and CEO, said: “We are extremely proud of this development: expanding our provision in Cheltenham with a bespoke facility represents a major investment in the county’s future skills pipeline.
“Gloucestershire College has a strong track record in responding to learner demand, and we are confident that this investment will deliver tangible benefits for local young people. “Our new campus will provide a modern, accessible learning environment, with an initial focus on our First Steps provision.
These supportive, entry-level programmes help young people build confidence, develop essential English, maths and digital skills, as well as explore future study or career options in a friendly and flexible environment.
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“With our tailored programmes and strong links with local employers and support services, this expanded provision will help more Cheltenham residents overcome barriers, reengage with learning, and progress into positive, sustainable destinations.” Luke Freeman, CEO of the M F Freeman Group, which has facilitated the new college campus, added: “It is great to see the building being repurposed as a teaching space, particularly for such a respected local education provider as Gloucestershire College.
“We are now continuing to progress our plans for the remainder of the site so that it can be brought back into beneficial use in its entirety. Our vision is a vibrant living and education campus which works well with the local community.
As our organisation celebrates its 60th anniversary, we remain committed to securing high-quality redevelopment opportunities such as this.” Gloucestershire College will begin refurbishment works in the coming weeks, alongside recruiting for a range of roles to support the expansion. The College aims to welcome learners and staff to the campus in autumn 2026.
This expansion is part of Gloucestershire College’s response to the priorities set out in the county council’s One Plan for Children and Young People in Gloucestershire 2024-2030 , further cementing the college’s commitment to local young people.