St Mary’s University, London (SMU) and South Thames Colleges Group (STCG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally launch a historic partnership between the two organisations to drive skills training and economic growth in London.
With local communities at its heart, the new partnership will see the two organisations collaborate closely to deliver an enhanced experience and outcomes for students and sees the constituent colleges of STCG become Associate Colleges of SMU.
The partnership formalises the relationship between SMU and STCG as the organisations develop opportunities for progression, articulation, validation and franchise arrangements across areas of shared academic portfolio.
Over time, the organisations aim to create a comprehensive range of academic and vocational pathways, including apprenticeships, from level two through to level six.
Through collaboration with employers, the partnership aims to deliver enhanced skills training across South and South-West London, supporting social mobility and economic growth.
Speaking of the partnership, St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony McClaran said, “I am proud to be signing this agreement with our colleagues at South Thames Colleges Group to guide the development of the partnership between the two institutions. Working together, we will deliver outstanding education opportunities for our communities for generations to come.”
Group Principal and CEO of STGC Peter Mayhew-Smith added, “It’s a real pleasure to work with our partners and friends at St Mary’s University. This new agreement will give us even better ways to support our students, enrich their experiences and help them to progress to fantastic HE programmes. It’s a big benefit to us all and we look forward to a long, happy future of collaboration.”