In 2016 on merger of WCG and Evesham and Malvern Hills College, WCG CEO Angela Joyce said: “Through this merger we can expand provision in the south of Worcestershire for your people and employers.” (Evesham Observer, 17 July 2016).
Fast forward to 2021 and WCG are closing and selling off Malvern Hills College, as well as the majority of Evesham site, forcing a reduction to adult and further education provision in Evesham and elimination of provision in Malvern.
Warwickshire College Group announced in November 2020 that substantial parts of Evesham College site will be sold and the remainder “repurposed”. No further information or consultation has been forthcoming. No equality impact assessments on the effects on students, staff, or the community and local businesses have been released.
In recent press announcements, WCG management claim they are ‘investing’ in their Worcestershire campuses, while closing sites and packing provision off to Pershore! These proposals come at a time when the Government has announced £375 million investment in skills post-Covid-19. Local people who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic will need retraining and will not be able to afford to travel distances to access it! Wychavon features high on the National Deprivation Index and ranks 322 out of 324 on an index of social mobility alone – the third worst in England. This is clearly a place that needs a local education provider – not to lose one!
From Autumn 2021:
- Hair and Beauty, Engineering, Construction Motor Vehicle and Digital Courses will run from a greatly reduced Evesham campus
- Malvern Hills College will close
- Access to HE and Supported Learning be transferred to the Pershore site (7 miles away)
- Early Years courses will no longer be offered in Worcestershire campuses.
WCG management are closing campuses and shutting down local provision, while claiming they are investing in Worcestershire!
In the last decade, the access to local education in rural communities and small towns – built up over generations – has been limited and reduced thanks to FE mergers and subsequent site closures. Evesham and Malvern need local further education expanded, not reduced.
Please sign this petition: we must stop the local cull of provision and the relentless reduction of the further education sector estate.
STOP THE STEAL! STOP THE SELL OFF! SAVE THE EVESHAM AND MALVERN CAMPUS AND COURSES!
Keep FE and adult ed provision in Worcestershire!
For more information regarding the closure and out campaign, please contact us at SaveEveshamProvision@ucu.org.uk.
Signed:
1,089
Cathy Dickinson
1,088
Darren Salmons
Evesham College
1,087
Abbie jenkinson
college north east london
1,086
Liz Reece
Liz Reece Careers
1,085
Ralph Partridge
1,084
Dave Jameison
New College Swindon
1,083
Clive Jackson
Sedgeberrow
1,082
Nic G
1,081
O Hamlyn
1,080
Daniel Morris
How college
1,079
Laura Povoledo
UWE Bristol
1,078
Louise Carson
Evesham resident
Now more than ever local access to training and new qualifications are vital to our community.
1,077
Jason Rawlings
-
Everyone should vist this link below and read the Annual Statement of Accounts 2020 for WCG and will see that Anegla Joyce has squanderd a £40,000 bounus last year on top of her high salary in relocation costs. She is a disgrace to WCG and the communities of Warwickshire and Worcestershire.
https://wcg.ac.uk/page/464/publication-scheme
1,076
Steve Peace
1,075
Katie Mckay
Surprise surprise…WCG at it again! You only have to look at the site in Evesham to see that they have already let it go to rack & ruin! I’ve read about the proposed money they are said to be spending in Worcestershire and I’m willing to bet my house on the fact that barely any will be spent at Evesham. Believe me when I say if you think Evesham College will be there in two years, you’re a fool!
1,074
Clair Sharpe
University of Liverpool
Solidarity.
1,073
David Brown
Retired, Evesham
Its hard to see how we can boost meaningful local employment without local training.
1,072
Julian Richardson
Oldham College
This country needs to protect it's education system if it wants to progress both for individuals and as a nation.
1,071
Helen Davenport
RSC
It is utter madness and morally indefensible to remove provision from the college.
1,070
Gill Green
Worcestershire
I took an Access to Higher Education Course at Evesham College - with having 2 children at school, if the course was in Pershore, I wouldn't have been able to attend. We must keep these courses at Evesham College.
1,069
Julia Collier
Retired, University of Bradford
1,068
Louise Kenyon
Loughborough University
1,067
Katherine Baxter
Northumbria University
1,066
Christopher Donaldson
Lancaster University
1,065
Andrew Differ
Worcestershire
1,064
Sol Gamsu
Durham University
Solidarity! We need to protect local college and adult ed provision - now of all times it is absolutely essential to local communities!
1,063
Simina Dragos
University of Cambridge
1,062
Cecily Blyther
Petroc
1,061
Melanie Roxby-Mackey
University of Birmingham
1,060
Jonathan Mason
East Sussex
1,059
Katherine Fossett Fossett
Warwickshire College
1,058
Pravina Ellis
Croydon Adult Education
With recent government announcement of £375 million investment to retrain and increase skills post-Covid-19 pandemic then Warwickshire College Group's announced re sale of large parts of Evesham College seems very short-sighted. Especially as no local consultation has taken place regarding future educational services and retraining facilities that will be required in the local community.
1,057
Simon Welsh
University of Leeds
1,056
Sara Crangle
University of Sussex
1,055
Cian Power
Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Oxford
Local provision for training local students is essential for a strong future for the region. Keep the provision on site!
1,054
Stephanie Bowry
University of Leicester
1,053
Dr Carrie Etter
Bath Spa University
1,052
Anastasia Karanika
University of Leeds
1,051
sareen galbraith
leeds beckett university
1,050
Rajiv Sud
Stcg group,London
1,049
Jennet Thomas
UAL
1,048
Louise Helen Mackie
Bath College
1,047
GERGANA STOILOVA
Surrey
1,046
Kerry Hughes
Worcestershire
You were given this building for free, as you were the Malvern building where Art is housed. Selling them on is devastating for staff and community alike. It also reeks of corporate interests above educational function and local need. This has tainted the WCG brand, and should be reconsidered.
1,045
Elane Heffernan
Retired
Further Education is a vital service. It enhances lives; helps keep people up to date in skills for work and vitally, it gives people purpose and interest in life. To close down campuses, cut courses abs dismiss people drives a dagger into the heart of local communities
1,044
godfrey brown
South & City College Birmingham
Totally disgusting what has happened and continues to happen to Evesham College provision. Can't people managing these provisions see that it's the local people who suffers, and this cannot be good for their community and ultimately the country.
1,043
Catherine Kennedy
South Yorkshire
1,042
Chris Cumberpatch
1,041
Umberto Albarella
University of Sheffield
1,040
Sarah Williams
Bridgwater & Taunton College
1,039
Naomi Pennington
North Yorkshire
1,038
Sally Burr
Glyndwr University
1,037
Ashley Chapman
Leicester
1,036
Godfrey Jennings
Retired Member
1,035
KAREN POWER
Gloucestershire
Evesham is a large, and growing, town. Further Education provisional is essential for the community to help provide skills and qualifications for the population. Changing provision location to a distant site will result in further damage to the environment through increased traffic; it will also affect those in a lower income bracket as they may not be able to afford (even subsidised) transport.
1,034
Alex de Ruyter
Birmingham City University
1,033
Geoff Taylor
International College, St Clare's, Oxford
1,032
Sarah Dalton
North Yorkshire
1,031
Clare Law
Working Mens college
Already an area where it’s very hard to move around on public transport. This local provision is needed
1,030
Tony Clancy
Uni of Gloucestershire
1,029
Anne O'Sullivan
UCU
1,028
Katrina Stephens
Cardiff Uni
1,027
Liam O'Hare
Open University
1,026
sean talbot
Bristol
1,025
Elaine Guilding
Formerly Newark FE College
1,024
Graham Mustin
1,023
Chantal Baxter
Malvern
1,022
James Leahy
University of Birmingham
1,021
Louise Murphy
Malvern
1,020
Charlotte O'Neill
S Yorks
1,019
Chris Allen
Gateshead College
1,018
katherine bradley
retired.
1,017
Carina Hart
University of Nottingham
1,016
Stephen Homewood
london
1,015
Matthew Evans
University of Sussex
1,014
Francesco Sticchi
Oxford Brookes University
1,013
Chris Donahue
1,012
Voirrey Hampson
County (optional)
1,011
Vicky Blake
UCU President
1,010
Michelle Howell
South and City College Birmingham
1,009
Valerie Aspin
University of Bristol
1,008
Matt Russo
Westminster Kingsway college
1,007
Joanne Stephens
1,006
John Loveridge
Retired
1,005
Kathleen Bell
Previously at De Montfort University
I used to live near Evesham and know the importance of a range of FE and adult education in an area poorly served by public transport.
1,004
Susan Christie
Retired of York College
My niece and nephew owe their careers to Evesham College where both started their Further Education.
FE and Adult Education are incredibly valuable and need to be easily accessible, especially in rural areas.
This decision must be reversed and investment must be made to bring FE and Adult Education back to be recognised for its wonderful value before it is too late.
1,003
Sheila Webber
University of Sheffield
1,002
Brian Hambidge
EMRMB
1,001
John Cowley
Formerly of City University London
1,000
Molly Browne
Newman University
999
Patricia Thorpe
Bristol
Areas of deprivation are in dire need of more training and education - not less!
998
Charis Flavell
Retired, now in Norfolk
We should be expanding adult education provision, not cutting it.
997
Robert Amess
University of Oxford
It's very sad to see this happening in what was my county of birth. Regional councils and national government are clearly not joined up in their thinking and planning. I think the blame for this has to the national government which has reduced funding over the last decade. Perhaps it will make more people realise that voting conservative was a bad idea. I do not understand their popularity.
996
Leslie Huckfield
Glasgow Caledonian University
This is appalling. There will soon be no FE outside City of Worcester and Warwick.
995
Jonathan Brockbank
I taught FE in Warkwickshire and feel for you.
994
Raphael Hoermann
UCLan
993
Helen Forbes
Bradford College
Another example of those in the most need being ignored. You are right to fight against these moves.
992
Anna Pollert
Warwickshire
991
Peter Bradley
University of Bath
990
Lorenzo Feltrin
University of Birmingham
989
Leah Rea
988
Deena Omar
New City College, Tower Hamlets, London.
Similar rubbish happening to us here, and many other places too. Good luck and solidarity!
987
Helen De Witt
County (optional)
986
Di Sturdy
Coventry College
985
Anand Sengodan
Strathclyde
984
Kevin Malone
University of Manchester
983
Adrian Whittaker
Other (Non U.S.)
982
Fraser McQueen
University of Stirling
981
Jesus Martinez-Garcia
University of Essex
980
Alan Wellings
Worcester College of Technology (retired)
979
Cheron Dixon
Lambeth College
978
Daphne Hunter
BIrkbeck College, London
The riding-roughshod over consultation with, and information to, the community over this drastic reduction of Worcestershire provision, is an insult to the locality and in direct contradiction of government proposals for vital post-Covid re-training and upskilling. And where are the equality impact assessments??
977
Inna Harutyunyan
Activate learning
976
Iain Farquharson
Brunel University
975
Lewis Jones
London metropolitan University
974
D M Butcher
Oxford
973
Pam Simpson
London College of Fashion
Rural colleges are very much needed for the communities they are based in. Public transport cuts mean travel to other colleges is very difficult or impossible from some rural areas.
972
Graham Lee
University of Oxford
971
carole tatham
Burnley college
More colleges are needed, not less especially in the current climate were more funding nd campuses are needed
970
John Markussen
University of Winchester
We must stop the local cull of provision and the relentless reduction of the further education sector estate.
969
Paul Bearcroft
Worcestershire
968
Carol Hatton
967
Philip Taylor
966
susan taylor
Worcestershire
965
tim mitchell
Lighting Designer
964
Amanda Webb
Save the college
963
Sally Leeks
Retired
Local adult educational provision is absolutely critical, particularly in terms of cutting down needless and expensive travel to far-flung campuses.
962
Steve Tamplin
Telford
961
Tom Norton
England
960
Mark Haughtey
959
Peter Daw
958
James Richards
Heriot-Watt
957
Josh Ford
East Sussex
956
TINA ILIA
955
Peter Hill
Northumbria University
954
Lee Knight
6 malin mews
Evesham needs to be protected from future cuts for the up and coming generations to carry on getting a good education.
953
Pete Rogers
Worcestershire
WCG were given these Colleges to make something of them, not asset to cover their own incompetence and over inflated pay packages. They don't own them they are the guardians for our future generations. The CEO's pay has increased whist the sites are assets stripped and staff face endless rounds of redundancy. It's time this madness was stopped before there is nothing viable left!
952
julie Huxley
Warwickshire
We need to preserve Adult Education in the community that the adult learners can access.
951
GWYNETH Cruickshank
N Warwickshire & S Leicestershire College
How can reducing provision in rural areas be good for the economy. Short sighted cost saving is ruining the FE sector!
950
David Gent
Access to further education is important.
949
Zarria Phillips
NES
948
Harriet Guest
Retired
947
Patrick McCarthy
WEA
Adult education offered by Evesham College is going to be even more important in the post-Covid rebuild.
946
Stephen Page
UNITED KINGDOM
945
John Gough
Shropshire, Retired
Why is Further Education provision being reduced at a time when we need to train the workforce to grow our future as an independent country. Education should not be viewed as a business but as an investment in the future.
944
Robert PHILLIPS
Worcestershire
This appears to be a very cynical attempt by WCG to make short term gains and to cover gaps in Government funding. We need FE provision in the shires like never before following the damage done by the pandemic and the impending adverse effects of Brexit which have hardly registered with anyone as yet! Why no consultation?
943
Nigel Barnacle
Retired
We can't afford to lose Further Education provision especially in rural areas.
942
David McLoughlin
Newman University
941
Ruth Stacey
Worcestershire
940
Tania Manyuira
Sandwell College
The attempt to close Evesham along with Malvern campuses is leaving the local community with big difficulties in accessing the courses that are closed down when the colleges are shut. We have to stand up and fight to protect community colleges from shutting down.
939
DT Roach
Worcester
938
Dan Eastough
Worcestershire
937
Paul Golz
University of Worcester
Signing in a personal capacity
936
Jim Clements
Halesowen
935
Olivia Joyce
Warwick University
934
Maggie Turner
West Midlands
Cuts and selling off land are devastating to FE. The impact on learners is unmeasureable.
933
Michelle Bavington
Coventry College
932
Jodie Blundred
Worcestershire
931
Stephanie Brewster
University of Wolverhampton
930
Warren Mills
WCG
929
Jamie Beeson
Evesham
928
ollie dishart
house
for meg
927
hannah gilmour
evesham
926
Ruth WERBISKI Dutton
Retired
What a disgrace this Govt supposed to be Levelling UP, increasing opportunities LOCALLY for young people, education, training, apprenticeships and INVESTING IN EDUCATION.
925
Sylwia Nowak
Worcestershire
924
Paul Campion
Worcestershire
I attended the college to complete my a levels and to attend evening courses throughout my life. It has been a valuable instrument in education for both young and old throughout my life.
923
Elaine Chant
Evesham
922
Nichaela Summerton
Evesham
921
Amber B
Evesham
Everyone deserves the option of a higher education without the struggle of traveling elsewhere to learn when you could learn in your local area. Evesham cannot be without somewhere for people to better themselves.
920
Emma Harrington
University of Gloucestershire
This is a disgrace! If anything more investment should be made in Evesham college it is genuinely a lifeline for some and an incredibly important resource. And a total travesty to lose Malvern college altogether!! Thank you for creating this petition.
919
Chris Bates
Civil Service
This establishment should be developed and used to give the skills necessary to build a better Britain not cut back and removed so some local authority can claim a saving. There is no saving, only a cost to the local
Community. Many of us trained and qualified there and our
Higher education needs rejuvenating and a good shake up because currently it is inefficient and ineffective.
918
Helen Woodburn
917
Jackie Sainsbury
Worcestershire
I work independently with many young people with SEND / a need for local practical courses - travel issues act as a major barrier. Moving key courses and support to 'hubs' rather than offering more localised provision in more than one place, denies many of my clients equality of learning opportunity.
916
Sarah Houlston
Worcestershire
915
Simon Claxton
914
Eddie Little
Manchester (Retired)
913
Stuart Houlston
Malvern
Cutting back on FE at a time when young people need all the support they can get is ridiculous
912
Marilyn Fisher
Alot of pupils from the Vale of Evesham School go to Evesham College when they leave, as did my son how will they get to Pershore if their family do not have transport. It would be tragic to lose the ABI as where is the nearest one to Evesham .
911
Colin Taylor
Worcestershire
I just don’t understand how WCG are continually allowed to get away with doing this!? Why isn’t Nigel Huddleston speaking up like Harriet Baldwin is? I truly hope that Malvern is saved and Evesham is kept as it is! I really hope the members of the SLT for WCG are happy with yourselves over in Leamington and can sleep at night!
YOU ARE NOTHING BUT THIEVES!!!!
STOP SELLING OFF OUR COLLEGES!!
910
Sian Orchard
Evesham College
Young people need this accessible provision as nothing else for miles! How are they supposed to Continue with compulsory education if there is none available. Not all kids want to stay on in 6th form so need a choice. If they use the land for more housing where are all these kids supposed to go?
909
Matt Ripley
908
Andrew Faizey
907
Chris George
retired
at a time when adult education is needed most to retrain or stimulate regrowth in communities and individuals, these vital local centres of provision are being reduced or got rid of completely. Utter madness!
906
Saul Bolton
905
Andrew Davies
Worcestershire
904
Neil Bevan
Malvern
903
Matthew James
Evesham
902
Robert Fisher
Evesham
901
Mike Bennett
Evesham
Local provision within the community for adults is key to the local economy and community
900
Steven Ranford
Worcestershire
Closing colleges or removing courses is stupidity of the highest order...
899
Robert Banner
WCG
898
Andy Shaw
Wcg
897
Christine Sherry
Evesham
Profit over people.
Cash over community.
Not without a fight.
896
Russell Parker
Warwickshire
895
Jill Haycock
Evesham
One son with no car, 30 years ago had an option for Glos FE in Cheltenham with no suitable bus connection. He then chose Hereford FE but had to go by train and then a long walk. Train timetables were not suitable so he was always late. Evesham had no suitable Art and Design courses linked to emerging computer scene then. He has survived but it was not at all ideal.
Are the schools to be involv
894
Glenn Buckley
I went to Evesham to study AAT. Without a local college students will have to travel further to study. We should be reducing congestion and pollution on the roads. The community needs this college
893
Christine Moon
Warwickshire
892
Rebecca Jeynes
Worcestershire Country Council Adult Learning
891
Claire Hodgetts
Self employed
I am a former student of the college and feel that closure would be a great shame not only for the town and surrounding areas but all the aspiring youngsters wanting to further their education.
890
susan adams
Worcestershire
889
Mrs Kelly Keen
Birmingham
What a surprise... WCG up to their old tricks again!
Angela Joyce... you should hang your head in shame!
This is an absolute travesty! In a time where FE & HE is more important than ever, you decide that the best option for YOUR OWN POCKET is to YET AGAIN close a community college! And you want to strip a charity of their building! You disgust me! You’re an embarrassment to Education!
888
Gordon Eames
With so many unemployed at this time we need to build a new future.
training various skills will be a major part of this .
For all ages
887
Nicki Cother
Worcestershire
886
Alan Hodge
EVESHAM
Totally wrong to expect people trying to better themselves to have to travel to Pershore .
885
Robert Collcott
NHS Worcester - Evesham College IT Graduate 2014
Save the college, great place and have a lot of fantastic memories thete
884
Nr Lee Fisher
I think it would be a disaster if these cuts went ahead and would have a detrimental impact on students education , if the ABI is sold where are people with bran injuries going to get the support that they need?
883
Rebecca Wicks
Garage/Evesham
882
Arja Scarsbrook
Evesham
There needs to be more skills and education - not less. Save - once gone the opportunities will not return !
881
Virginia Ditchfield
Broadway
880
Christopher Bates
Chartered Safety Practitioner
Investment should be made at the college, not closing it down. After Brexit we need to improve further education and get some decent lecturers to teach the up and coming generations the skills needed to enable them to be successful when they start work, these are the things the colleges have let slip over the last 20+ years.
879
Vikki Higgins
Worcestershire
I have had some great training from both Evesham and Malvern colleges so I hope this decision can be reversed.
878
Lindsay Tether
Retired WCC teacher (Home Tutor)
I object to the loss of learning provision/sites for Evesham and Malvern -
younger people are less likely to have transport and need local education.
Why is it Evesham college in particular that needs to be reduced?
877
Charlotte Selleck
UWE
876
Sarah Mills
Evesham
875
Beverley Montague-Daubney-Reeves
WR12 7HY
This is vital for local people where some villages have no bus provision for other areas ........and for those who work and want to expand their knowledge
874
Katie Hughes
873
Sarah Mccarthy
England
This college is VITAL for all those who live in Evesham and the surrounding villages ,who cannot get to Pershore ,or even further afield !
872
Julie Hamilton
This is just frightening that the provision in Evesham will be reduced. We live in Broadway and I expect my children to use this facility. How would my children ever get to Pershore? It is all extra distance as we are the other side of Evesham in Worcestershire. There is so little choice as it is if your children are not able to go to 6th Form.
871
Melanie Waldron
Worcestershire
We need to keep as many FE options open as possible.
870
Susan Crouch
Evesham
I wish to protest against the proposed closure of adult and further education provision in Evesham and Malvern.
869
Alison Parry
Evesham College
Such a shame to lose another institution when Evesham is expanding!
868
Amanda Peters
867
Cynthia Brawn
Evesham
This is disgraceful. Evesham always comes at the bottom of the list for facilities and now this is another low blow. How do they think people in Evesham and Malvern can access learning when you move colleges miles away, especially with the state of public transport. Why are the poorer members of society always the ones that are picked on to lose facilities. An easy target I suppose!
866
John O'brian
Evesham Resident WR11
Email all of these Senior Leadership team members ajoyce@wcg.ac.uk Angela Joyce COE, Robert Bevan rbevan@wcg.ac.uk CFO, Peter Husband phusband@wcg.ac.uk, COO Group Principal; hkinghorn@wcg.ac.uk Helen Kinghorn, group deputy principal
865
Daniel Palmer
Evesham
864
David Hughes
Killybrack, WR12 7LW
863
Patricia Moody
Broadway
We need to invest more in localised further education not less. This move will discourage people due to the traveling and the more disadvantaged over cost. I only hope this proposal is based on the lack of uptakes in courses rather than financial.
862
Laura Howie
Broadway, WR12
861
Sally Clarke
Gloscol
Now more than ever , FE is needed to help build and maintain communities ,and create jobs and careers for young people.
860
Marilyn Burgess
N/A
859
Amy Hall-Cook
Evesham
858
Heather Canavan
Broadway
Now retired, in my past career I worked in FE management in Hampshire. I’ve seen how FE can make a major difference in individuals’ lives. We need more adult education in our community.
857
Neil Townshend
Drs Townshend & Partners Broadway
I support this petition as the maintenance of locally accessible further education is crucial for rural communities and the prospects of those who live in this area.
856
Sarah Clarke
Birmingham
855
Deborah Couliou
School
854
Catherine O'Brian
It's vital to keep our education provision local!
853
Fiona Legge
It offers an alternative to university please keep the full options available
852
Helen Peacop
Worcestershire
My college in Northwich Cheshire was sold off for housing. Fast forwards a decade to a greater divide, drug taking, teen pregnancy and little prospect.
851
Andrei-Ionut Bila-Nicola
Evesham
850
Ann Lambsdown
West Yorkshire 0
849
Gill Carr
We should be investing in local educational establishments to encourage young people to undertake further education
848
Donna Marriott
Evesham
We cannot lose this we need to keep it
847
June Anstey
Broadway
Best thing ever for area - a space for students to flourish when school was not always the best option.
846
Judith Ciotti
Evesham resident
Thank you for the opportunity to support College provision
845
Nicola Heritage
Broadway
This college has provided excellent teaching please don’t close the site.
844
GEORGE GOULD
worcestershire
843
Sebastian Garner
Broadway
842
Dean Rickett
Stourport on severn
I have family in the area and I not only achieved my qualifications at this fantastic college but I came back many years later and helped out as a member of staff in my skilled area and even though I was only there for a few years there were some fun times being had not only the students but by the staff too, some of the best people I've ever met and worked with I met here,
841
Mark Payne
Worcestershire
I have gained two qualifications from this college. 1989 - Motor vehicle technology - city & guilds, and 1997 - a bTech nat. dip. for computing & electronics.
It would be a crime to take this facility away from Evesham and deprive students of Evesham town the right to an education on their doorstep.
This is a perfectly good college and Evesham NEEDS IT!
840
Sue Oxley
Inkberrow
839
Anne Heyworth
Open University
This education provision is vital and valuable, please don't sell it off!
838
Dawn Green
Worcestershire
I attended Evesham college in 1971 and I’m so happy that it’s given so many other students the opportunity to further their education. Evesham is dying and this is yet another nail in the coffin we should be expanding it not closing it
837
Pamela Peters
Disgusting
836
Tim McCormick
freelance
The above says most of it. Malvern college has some 130 years of history as a first class dedicated arts college, and there is nothing else like it in the whole region.
835
Shawn Ballard
834
Lynda Whitcombe
BSC hons. Hort
Govt. Claims to improve education/training for future, yet two collages locally to close.
833
Emma Church
Evesham
There needs to be more investment in the area. Education is the key to social mobility and improving people's lives.
832
Simon Bowes
Tutor, HMp long lartin
Education is key!
831
Julie Jones-Ford
keep our college open. we need the provision for out young people
830
Helen Nightingale
Nusery
829
Lynne Robinson
Care, Chipping Campden,
I used to work at Evesham college, WCG took over and it went from a thriving busy college to a ghost Town with all the changes they made. A lot of us who worked there could see this coming. Pure greed and negligence. Evesham needs there college back, our children need a local college.
828
Craig Holgate
Aston University
827
Rob Thompson
Cavotec
826
Deanna Burdett
Evesham Nursery School
Please save Early Years Education. I wouldn’t be were I am in my career if it wasn’t for the Evesham campus and the amazing Tutors.
825
Marie Pearse
Evesham Nursery School
Evesham College provides excellent training for our future workforce. Students from the college always bring enthusiastic ideas to their placements with us. Many of our current and precious staff trained for their roles within our unique nursery school. Previous staff have also used their experience to continue into cutter qualified actions including teaching.
824
Chris Bradshaw
Coventry
823
Becky Cook
Worcestershire
822
David Smith
Warwickshire
821
Kerry Smith
Warwickshire
820
Rebecca Harker
819
Matthew Barker
Broadway
Save our college
818
Kelly barker
Broadway
Save our college
817
Carolyn Miles
Worcester
816
Nikita Louise
815
Chad Morrison
Broadway
Being able to learn in a place that was relatively close, was less stressful because I didn't have to worry about travel times
814
Eddie Little
Retired
813
Sarah Watkins
Worcestershire
As someone who has worked in both of these college locations, I can testify to the very great need in the local community. WCG have been working on a managed decline of both the Evesham and Malvern sites since they took over in 2016. This should have national publicity and Angela Joyce should be forced to fall on her sword as she is not fit for office. Shocking tactics.
812
Joanna Smith
Nhs
Our community need these courses and more to keep running. Save Evesham college
811
Carlin Anderson
Glos
810
Joanna Aizpuru
Glos
809
Christine Jones
Parent of main stream and sen need children.
Pershore I don't think has transport provision from Moreton area and special learning provision is poor anyway how are youngsters ment to travel to these colleges further away? Evesham is a train ride away and a long walk as it is..learning is hard enough more courses more provision should be put in NOT taken away.
808
Sam Williams
807
Isabelle Goldie
Moreton-in-Marsh
806
Jonathan Mason
University of Brighton
Education is a right, not a privilege, and we should be able to access it at any stage of life, whatever our interests - otherwise those without money or the luxury of opportunity will miss out on achieving what they're capable of or leading the lives they wish for.
805
Amie Wiberley
Warwickshire
804
Darren Moon
London School of Economics and Political Science
803
Louise Stuart
Evesham
Your building all these houses and you want to get rid of educational places. Are you mad!!!
802
Jess Barrand
Worcestershire
I passed my child care course and now I’m a pre school room lead! The best tutors are at this college!!!!!
801
Fabienne Benoist
London South Bank University
Solidarity to colleagues fighting course closures.
800
Judith Baxter
799
karen woodall
Community midwife
798
Gillian Bradley
Evesham
797
Yunus Ebden
Evesham
How can they justify to close an educational institution which serves the community?? call for a general strike. We have to rally the community which the college serves
796
Alastaire forsyth
WCG
795
Natalie Harris
Evesham leisure centre
794
Amelia Johns
Nursery nurse
I wouldn’t be able to have the career I have now without the amazing early years teachers at the college
793
Jasmin Minto
S Lukes CE First School
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the child care courses on offer at Evesham college!
792
Ashleigh Fiander
791
Caroline Cleaver
WCG
790
Boguslawa Kucharska-Hodgkins
Worcestershire
789
Pauline Holder
Evesham
Unfair for those who want to do a course and have to travel, this may mean not joining college courses due to time and cost spent travelling. Government may wish to re-train students within area, shortest distance from home. Once college building sold, no going back for expansion. Vulnerability of students aged 16+. Parents may be concerned for safety.
788
Rachel Tompkins
WCG
787
Ian Graham
University of Warwick & resident of Evesham
The level of concern about adult literacy rates in England and the inclusion in the Queen's Speech of the pledge to overhaul the post-16 and adult education and training system with a Lifetime Skills Guarantee highlights the critical need for establishments like Evesham College and Malvern Hills College to remain open, not be closed or scaled back for monetary gain.
786
Rachel Watson
West Midlands
Horrendous to see this provision being erodeed away. It seems to be happening everywhere.
785
Elizabeth Matthews
Nottinghamshire
784
Linda Hewines
Retired
783
Wendy Burrell
Scarborough
782
Rebecca Jackson
England
I am a former student of Evesham College which has enabled me to be where I am today, a qualified nurse. The younger generation and people who want to further their education and learn new skills in Evesham and the surrounding areas need a place to study.
781
Sue Jackson
Scarborough
So early years provision/education is not going to exist either ???????
780
Colin Morris
Evesham
Save the college as people will be unable to pershore on a low income.
779
Dr C.H. Bryant
UCU NW HE Sector secretary.
778
George Ball
Bretforton
777
Sally Ball
Bretforton
776
Trish Hacklett
Evesham area
775
Ann-Marie White
Evesham
Don't really want to have to move to Pershore college to continue my education when I'm already studying at Evesham & have been for 4 years.
774
Anita Hobday
University of Worcester
This is badly needed in Evesham. More courses should run here not close it
773
Tamsin Woodford
Falmouth Adult Education, Cornwall
I know Malvern Hills College well , my Father has taught there for many years. I know it to be a very vibrant and busy place, very valuable to the people in the area. As an Adult Education tutor myself, I know that it is rare and wonderful to have a purpose built college for art in Adult Education. This belongs to the town and area and should not be lost.
772
Christine Lingard
Retired grandmother
Why close a lot of Evesham college? Evesham has a large young community who will need college education
771
Nigel Taylor
I attended Evesham college as a teenager great experience made loads of friends and really help me with my future it would be a travesty to even think of closing or shrinking it all the young adults in our area need this facility.
770
Ali O'Connor
769
Helen Haynes
Our younger generation need this what’s happening to Evesham come on joke.
768
Owain Roberts
767
Vera Judge
Evesham
I am a resident of Evesham and the college is an essential provision for the town. Our young people need it but it’s adults education is also indispensable. I have personally attended numerous evening courses there over the years. Please save our college.
766
paul kennedy
Westminster Kingsway College, London
Outrageous!
765
Emma Stanley
Worcestershire
764
Patrycja Wawrocka
763
Jenni North
Evesham
This would be the worst thing for Evesham as not all students can access transport into other locations. Evesham college helped me through 4 years; coming out with a HND.
762
Claire Withers
This must not happen
761
Elizabeth Adams
Bristol
Please save it!!!! Very important
760
George Adams
Warwickshire
759
Ed Adams
Taswell
This college has helped so many young people over the years and it’s a real asset to the local community will be such a shame to see it go
758
Anna Kryska
WCG collage in Evesham ,domestic asystenc
I have a son who will make a choice regarding college in the future I always hoped that he would make a choice and continue his education at our college in Evesham, the other thing is I work at this college and I am afraid that I will lose my job and I am a single parent
757
Kate Zuill
UK
756
Dawn Adams
Dawn Lodge Associates Chartered Surveyors
With the growing population in Evesham and surrounding areas it is vital to keep education provision fully available to all at Evesham College
755
Christine Robinson
Worcestershire
I am disgusted by this reduction in services at Evesham. I taught French for many years in what used to be an excellent Adult Education sector and was destroyed many years ago now.
754
Alex Shute
Evesham
753
Laura Bayliss
Worcester
752
Penny Welch
Wolverhampton
751
Julie Allen
Evesham
750
Charlotte Beyer
Gloucestershire
749
Tamora James
Sheffield
Further education provision is essential for providing opportunities for development and these proposals will have an impact across a wide catchment area.
748
Christina Holder
747
Tricia Smith
Evesham
Over the last few years the College has been systematically downgraded, reducing the opportunities for further education across the community. We should be increasing those opportunities, building a better educated community which will benefit everyone.
746
Anthea Smith
745
Roxanne Grinnell
Evesham
744
Martyn Dormer
743
Dr David Kewley
Retired Engineering Director
Just appalled at their actions and their plan to close the ABI Centre at Evesham College.
742
Gabriella Chantry
Evesham
741
Anne Smythe
Malvern
The FE sector must be saved and maintained - it is too important to lose
740
Jen Gardiner
Self-employed
739
Jacqueline Banks
Evesham
This is a great local resource that provides excellent learning experiences. Moving services elsewhere is not environmentally acceptable as it entails more travel and fuel use.
738
Anne O'Hagan
Evesham, retired
I was shocked to read about the proposed cuts to courses. Colleges and community education provision should be continually expanding, not contracting!
737
Kitty Kavanagh
736
Elizabeth Allsop
735
Robin Lacey
734
Lynette Mantle
Past FE instructor
I have watched provision at Evesham College being consistently destroyed to the point where I felt no longer valued and, therefore, no longer able to work there.
733
Hannah Burke
Teacher at Vale of Evesham School
732
Elizabeth Coomber
Evesham
Provision of Higher education is vital for our children and town!
731
Claire WITHEFORD
Evesham
Post Covid we need more post 16 opportunities & retraining for adults who have have lost their jobs, not less. Also what about the SEN provision at the college, these young people have enough barriers to achieving without having to travel further as well.
730
Kate gibbons
Sedgeberrow school
729
Sarah Cullen
728
Katie Brooks
Evesham
Access to higher education is vital in towns. Removing the option of adult and higher education learning is a terrible idea
727
Sarah Adamson
School at Ettington
726
Lucy Radbourne
Evesham
725
Andrea Arrandale
Evesham
We need ongoing provision for adults and young people to continue and not be reduced at all
724
Rachel Smith
Stratford upon Avon
We need to secure the future of young people
723
Tabitha Ellis
Offenham primary school
I trained here on a BTEC childcare course, giving me access to a teaching degree. Not every child in Evesham a suited to 6th form. These courses at Evesham College are very valuable to our town
722
Abi Attwood
Stratford upon Avon scholl
721
Jane Johnson
Worcestershire
720
Vicky Stanton
Evesham
Please do not close this college that serves so many local young people
719
Tony Neath
Retired
718
Tessa Jenkins
Now more than ever we need good local education provision,
717
Karen Aris
716
Sue Tully
Provision is needed in the local area to train people for the jobs market. Not everyone does well in the school environment. Some provisions are needed as a bridge from school into higher education. Provision is also need to retrain people who have lost their jobs. This is especially relevant post COVID.
715
Alison Godber
I worked for Evesham College for over 19 years. It WAS a great place to work and study but when WCG took over, it lost its’ soul and management were more interested in making money than providing quality education. Also far too many Managers on inflated salaries!
714
Lesley Kewley
Trustee AcquiredBrain Injury Trust
It seems not generally known that the ABI BUILDING is owned by the Trust but WCG have chosen not
to extend our lease and are planning to use our building for their own purposes. We are at present trying to negotiate alternative accommodation .
713
Rachael Duggan
Evesham, Worcestershire
This is most likely where my son would want to attend when he finishes school. It is valued by young people not just in Evesham but further afield too.
712
Jan Gruihn
Retired
Did a few adult courses here, retraining. It’s a vital part of the town and area.
711
Reuben Andrews
710
Erica Johnson
Evesham
Why are you reducing the size of the college when more and more housing has being built in Evesham over the last 10 years which means greater requirement for further education in our area?
709
Paul Brockbank
Self employed
708
Kathleen Barry
England - Worcestershire
The college serves the community and surrounding villages, what a catastrophe it would be for Evesham if this facility is lost.
707
Mick Beard
Retired
I worked for Evesham College for 30 years, when WCG took over I had retired and gone back part time. It did not take me long to realise their management shared a brain cell and only had pound signs in their eyes. Such a shame as it was a great workplace and a much needed amenity for the local community. I do not understand why !!!!!
706
Tracy Clements
hmp
Pushing more pressure on our younger generation to have to go further afield for higher education and losing adult services will not serve the community
705
Michelle Wilson
Evesham
Save our college
704
Andra Proctor
Herefordshire
Have just moved from Evesham and whilst living there (37 years) took advantage of the facilities at the College, even doing my O levels. Evesham needs this college, please save it.
703
Oprea Andreea
702
Rose Cullimore
Wr11
701
Rebecca Pritchard
WORCESTERSHIRE
700
Michael Beard
Honeybourne
Such a travesty after teaching there for 30 years they want to destroy it within the community
699
Martin McCormqc
Evesham College
698
Lee Merrett
Evesham
697
Claire Merrett
Patoss
696
Teresa New
This college is a much needed facility. I must not close, there are so many young adults in the town who need it.
695
Val Mckechnie
Evesham
I was one of the very first students at attend Evesham college when it opened in 1970. I remember feeling I was privileged to have such a facility on my doorstep. Years later I also went there for an evening class. These opportunities open to local people should not be undervalued or undermined, especially as Evesham is growing by the day.
SAVE EVESHAM COLLEGE!
694
Julie Wood
Worcestershire
693
Jean McVeigh
Retired
692
Kate Pettemerides
691
Rachel Thompson
Worcestershire
690
Norman Stanley Evans
Retired
Sadly the value of Art and Craft Skilled education is being eroded nationally. The closing too of Malvern Hills College, deprives many of the local and wider population of quality opportunities offered as full-time, part-time and Summer School courses.
689
Duncan Day
688
Bethany Roberts
Cats protection
687
Ida Patrone
Worcestershire
686
Melissa Palfrey
Pershore
'Save the college'
685
J Pritchard
Armed forces
Education should eqate to SPEND not SAVE .
684
Stacey Clarke
Worcestershire
683
Jeanette Davis
Jeanette_morris@hotmail co.uk
With education now having to extend to the age of 18 it seems ridiculous that this college is being closedown it is ridiculous that parents will have to pay for the children to go to college further afield On buses that are at stupid times and not catered to take children to these locations and at its cost parents cannot afford
Investment needs to be given to the college not closure
682
Caroline Kerr
Self employed
I used to work at Evesham college and it will be greatly missed by the local people, we must at all cost save this educational facility.
681
Les Plumb
Worcestershire
680
Ann Currie
Malvern
679
Anna Tice
disabled
Local colleges need keeping for young and 'not so young'. And the college buses from Evesham to Pershore, I hope will continue.
678
Lydia Green
Retired
Stop this happening!
677
Beryl Morgans
Herefordshire
676
Phillippa Rushton
The works
675
Hilary Knox
Another establishment being run down and sold off by WCG! There will be nowhere for school leavers and adult education left in the area soon, thanks to their asset stripping.
674
Philip Roberts
Pershore
save the college
673
Claire Breward
Evesham
This would be a huge loss to Worcestershire and the bordering counties. It benefits so many people of all ages. As housing in Evesham and local areas continues to expand, more and more resources are being taken away.
672
Amanda Sanders
Worcestershire
Rural communities need access to local further education!
671
Claire Hughes
NEC Group
670
Caryl Mills
AL
Evesham needs to have services in this rapidly expanding town. More houses less provision.
669
Gillian Mountjoy
Evesham collage
The town is ever increasing and the collage is a vital learning center especially to people who do travel or drive..
668
Josh Chambers
Pershore
667
Fiona Wilkins
Harvington
666
Carol Green
Home
Where are young people going to be able to train for early years in Worcestershire?
665
Carol Riley
664
Stewart Warner
Worcestershire
We need all services we can get
663
Katharine Hart
Worcestershire
662
Sharon Bowler
Evesham
661
Caroline Ballard
This college was a life line for me and my family. It is needed in the community. So many families are not able to send their children to college out of town.
660
Karen Brock
Powick
659
Claire Dingley
Worcestershire
I don't understand why this is happening! Greed and ignorance? I hope each signature helps x
658
Wendy Camden
Worcestershire county council
It was through Evesham college that I accessed further education and went on to gain two university degrees. I would not have the career I now have without this initial opportunity provided by Evesham college. It would be a massive loss to the local and
surrounding communities if this facility was lost.
657
Sharon Scott
Worcestershire
656
Paul Brockman
Retired
Education is the most important thing we can give our young people .
655
Kevin Hartwell
Evesham
As a former Vice Principal at a secondary school in a deprived area I understand the importance of educational opportunity at a local level in such an area. Closure of local colleges would be extremely detrimental to the life chances of young people and those in need of retraining.
654
Julie Hartwell
Evesham
As a former teacher, I am extremely concerned at the proposed reduction of FE provision in our town.
653
Aline Cornish
Evesham
Typical of WCG (Warwickshire College Group) after closing Henley College. Idle promises making profit from buildings rather than investing in student futures. Evesham is a thriving growing town that needs education facilities. However, Evesham & Malvern Hills colleges have been stripped of their assets, both their employees and courses. Very sad and devastating.
652
Sue Amor
Retired
651
Trudy Jarvis
Evesham
650
Emma Middleton
649
Ruth Honeywell
Eveshan
648
Samantha Williams
Gloucestershire
647
Debra Westwood
646
Tracey Hodgkins
Malvern Hills College
645
Danielle Salter
Evesham
644
Jessica Heaney
Evesham
643
Maria Pedro
Kanes Food
642
Mel Walker
Blockley school
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Evesham college when I left school and I have attended many night time college courses there since ! It will be a great shame to loose such an asset for young people growing up in the town and surrounding villages, leaving few options for school leavers .
641
Robert Tilley
Malvern
FE is not a business.
640
Wizzy Shawyer
Artist self employed
I studied at MHC as a teenager and went on to a very successfull international career in the Arts. This college is vital.
639
Rosie Bull
Evesham
Would be awful to lose this!! Not all kids can travel. There'll be nothing left in our town soon
638
Sue Scrivens
This is an asset to the whole of Worcestershire
637
Kate Smith
Worcestershire
I think this is absolutely ridiculous as it's ruining children and adults education
636
Steve Drayton
Home
635
Richard Morgan
Evesham
634
Paula Morgan
Evesham
633
Jaime Johnson
632
Emma Gordon
Evesham
Please don't close this college. I did a BTEC here nearly 30 years ago.
631
Pete Gordon
What are they playing at! placed like this are needed. I went there for 4 yeasr after suffering a brain hemorrhage. I was re educated and went back to work.
630
Grace Agg
Nanny, Cotswolds
I did early years at evesham college 4 years ago. This has enabled me to have an amazing career in nannying leading to buying my first house at the age of 20!
629
Julie Haines
628
Sasha Jelfs
627
Emily Corfield
Pinvin Community Preschool
This is absolutely heartbreaking! Doing the childcare level 3 course has helped to support and mould me into the practitioner I have become and will forever be grateful for this, other people should still be able to have this opportunity to make a difference to young people’s lives.
626
Susan Haslam
Worcestershire
This a terribly retrogressive plan, robbing local people of a wide array of learning opportunities. It’s also a disgraceful betrayal of Warwickshire College Groups’ commitment to protect these institutions, and daylight robbery to thieve their assets.
625
Lauren White
St Barnabas First and Middle School in Drakes Broughton
624
Bethany Radbourne
Private nanny
I completed my early years course here 8 years ago and I was abaosluflt fantastic. I was supported phenomenally and the knowledge I was taught was outstanding. 8 years later I am in the career path I have always wanted to go down and this if for Evesham college and it being so local
To home.
623
Judy Cox
Evesham
Evesham and Malvern Colleges are essential places for local school leavers to further their education. Townships continue to expand and therefore provision for further education is necessary.
622
Kate Taylor
WCG
621
Claire Warner
Evesham
620
Samantha Dallard
619
Kirsty Kilgallen
Former college student
This is a stupid idea!
618
Pat Gough
Worcs
617
Pat Jones
So important to keep this facility for the young people of Evesham especially in a rapidly expanding town. Expecting people to commute to Pershore isn’t easy as the public transport infrastructure is so poor in this area with no sign of any improvement. The college has an important place in the community and the WCG should not be considering cutting the provision of FE in Evesham.
616
Nina Shields
Herefordshire
615
Kerry Staley
NHS Evesham
614
Lisa James
Evesham
This is one ridiculous proposal. They should be expanding not selling off this facility.
613
Matt Snape
612
Lorraine Mellor
611
Jack Peterson
Evesham
Another asset stripping exercise due to poor leadership and managment, a typical act of the (WC) group.
Evesham needs its college more now than ever and execting people to just communte to Pershore isn't as easy as it sounds as the public transport infrastructure is poor in this area.
610
ann dingley
Worcestershire
Young people need education where they live ,not an hours journey away.
609
Ros Gray
Worcestershire
608
Victoria Hildyard
Evesham
Stop closing what is left of Adult Education in our town. It is a very short sighted move.
607
Michelle Maunders
Worcester
606
Alison Jeanes
Pershore
Please keep the college open. I have done many courses there as an adult and then worked there. It is a great place to learn and work.
605
Christine Wade
Evesham
My son is in he's finally year of graphic design and he has really enjoyed the whole experience of that college and he has been able to walk to college as we live off Davis road Evesham.
604
Lorraine Pearson
Tesco
Amazing educational establishment which is inclusive and gives all a chance. Ex student and employee
603
Dianne Pilkington
Worcestershire
Scandalous!!
602
JOHN SMYTHE
Malvern
This college has an important place in the local community. It is an area needing further education at every stage in the lives of the people.
601
Stuart Bryant
600
Verity Lloyd
Riversides school, Worcester
599
Vicky Ashfield
Evesham
Please rethink your decision to close our college. There are so many young people in the town who don't drive and public transport is lacking so will be difficult for them to travel.
598
Courtney Smith
Teaching Assistant
I went to Evesham college when I left school and took level 3 childcare course which was amazing! I also went back there after my two year course of childcare and I got my GCSE Maths with the amazing support and help from the Maths department. I then went back last year to do the Level 3 Teaching Assistant course which was also amazing! They support that you get from this college is incredible!
597
Jo Dennick
Evesham
The provision of further education to our young people is an absolute necessity in this ever growing town. Closing the local college will force the young people in to cities & other towns to seek further education stretching those colleges resources even more.
596
Karen Baikey
This college needs to be saved for generations to come!!!
595
Deborah Harrison
Hft supported living
Our town and surrounding villages needs this college please save our college
594
Jane Dunn
Retired
Our town has been subjected to a massive new buildings program yet the community will be lacking provision of it's only FE college not good planning
593
Jill Moulder
Worcestershire
Evesham college is vital to Evesham and its residents it would be a sin to close any part of it
592
Gill Thompson
591
Angela Ballard
Ex Evesham College Employee
I support my friends and ex colleges in their fight to keep Evesham and Malvern Campuses open. Further Education at a large college is not for everyone - students want to study locally not spend hours on buses to other campuses. Evesham College have amazing tutors who really know their pupils, encourage them to achieve and be the best version of themselves.
590
Donna Hill
We need a local college with good educational provision for our children. Not everyone can afford to travel to Stratford Upon Avon or Gloucestershire - & why should they?