What impressed the FE Commissioner at Cornwall College St Austell

Some visits are timed by chance. This one landed on the very day students and staff walked into a brand-new building for the first time.

Further Education Commissioner Ellen Thinnesen OBE has praised the facilities at Cornwall College St Austell following a recent visit, pointing to the part high-quality learning spaces play in building skills, opening up careers and strengthening Cornwall’s economy.

Her trip coincided with a milestone for the college, as the purpose-built Kaolin building opened its doors to students and staff.

A college ‘going to thrive’

Ellen left in no doubt about what she had seen.

“I think this is a college that is going to thrive into the future,” she said. “It is led by leaders and governors who understand the importance of contextual places and ensuring each of its campuses can meet local need. This is an inclusive college group, and I have listened to the stories of the student profiles and ambitious curriculum strategy going forward, with inclusion at its heart.”

And she was clearly struck by the day.

“I’m really excited to see what will happen with this college group in the future, there’s a lot to be proud of. I’m just blown away with everything that I have seen today, such an impressive visit.”

Showing the progress first-hand

Rob Bosworth, CEO of Cornwall College Group, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Ellen Thinnesen to St Austell and give her the opportunity to see first-hand the progress being made. Her visit was a valuable opportunity to showcase our ambition and demonstrate how world-class facilities can help further education make a real difference in Cornwall and beyond.”

What it means for St Austell

For Laetitia Mayne, Principal of Cornwall College St Austell, the timing gave the college a chance to show what the changes mean for the town and its future.

“It’s an exciting new chapter for the college, this is about so much more than new buildings,” Laetitia said. “It’s about creating opportunities for the people of St Austell. From giving young people the chance to study A-levels locally to helping learners of all ages develop the skills and confidence to take their next steps, we’re helping build a stronger future for our community, and it was important we share this with the FE Commissioner.”

Details of the courses on offer are on the Cornwall College website.