Exeter University Partners With Cornwall College on St Austell A Levels

Pupils in mid Cornwall who want to study A Levels closer to home are about to get a fresh option, and one of the South West’s biggest universities has put its name behind it.

Cornwall College and the University of Exeter have struck a new partnership that will support progression opportunities and raise aspirations as A Levels return to Cornwall College St Austell in 2027. The two organisations say the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to raising aspirations, improving progression opportunities and supporting regional development across Cornwall and the wider South West.

A Levels are due to launch at the St Austell campus in September 2027.

What the two sides have agreed

The partnership has been formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, setting out plans to work together across a number of areas including student progression, skills development and widening participation in higher education.

Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Exeter, said: “We are absolutely delighted to support Cornwall College Group in this work with A-Level students.

“By working together, we can provide tailored support that helps students to access higher education, including pathways to world-class University of Exeter degrees on our campuses in both Cornwall and Exeter.

“We’re extremely excited about the positive impact that this collaboration will have on the opportunities for young people over the coming years.”

A multi-million-pound campus

The new A Level provision will form part of a multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Cornwall College St Austell campus. That work includes a dedicated A Level centre and modern teaching spaces, which are due to open in the first half of 2027.

Students will study within a college rated Outstanding by Ofsted, with access to enrichment opportunities, modern facilities and the wider college experience, alongside clear progression pathways into higher education.

Anneka Wass, Assistant Principal for A Levels at Cornwall College St Austell, said: “This partnership gives real strength to what we are building in St Austell.

“It means our students will be part of a wider academic journey, with clear progression routes and the confidence that they are being prepared for ambitious next steps.”

Built with local schools

The upcoming A Level provision is also being developed in close collaboration with local secondary schools and Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT), which the college says will help support progression for students across mid Cornwall.

Mark Wardle, Executive Principal and Deputy CEO of Cornwall College Group, said: “This collaboration reflects our shared ambition to raise aspirations and create opportunity for young people across Cornwall.

“Students will be able to begin their academic journey in Cornwall and progress towards leading universities, supported by strong collaboration across the region.”

When can students apply?

Applications for the first cohort, starting in September 2027, will open at the start of the new academic year on 1st September 2026.

Parents, students and schools can find out more about the subject offer, new facilities, enrichment opportunities, entry requirements and progression routes on the Cornwall College website.