The impact and importance of University Campus Suffolk Rosalind Turner Director for Children and Young People

Suffolk a unique gem

BUT, Suffolk’s communities face CHALLENGES

Education, aspiration and progression Good education, low crime, glorious environment make Suffolk a good place for children and families, but….. Until UCS no higher education: high achieving young people leave the county and don’t return High achieving and aspirational young people are not attracted into the county for study and work Impact on entrepreneurship, economic growth, recruitment difficulties for public sector

Barriers to growth and development Low aspirations of the young people and families who remain in Suffolk Low progression to further education Despite some notable exceptions, overall Suffolk has a low skill, low wage economy Transport infrastructure and access is a barrier to development

Low educational achievement and low aspirations There has been a reduction in the % of young people NEET, but levels remain worse than nationally and in our comparator group.

Skill levels within Suffolk’s working population are below both regional and national averages at all NVQ levels. Suffolk also possesses a greater percentage of people with no formal qualifications Low skilled workforce and low wage rates 64% (almost two-thirds) of Suffolk’s workforce is earning below the national average of £452 per week The East of England figure is 56%, so Suffolk’s neighbouring counties are performing better in this category

Low skilled workforce and low wage rates A lack of skilled labour and excess of low wage earners is unable to support new industries and not attractive to prospective new business

Rural accessibility

Our aim for Suffolk “By 2028 we want Suffolk to be recognised for its outstanding environment and quality of life for all; a place where everyone can realise their potential, benefit from and contribute to Suffolk’s economic prosperity, and be actively involved in their community” “Nothing is too good for the people of Suffolk”

Learning and Skills Improving learning and skills, at all levels and for all children, young people and adults is a key priority for the whole county One of 4 priorities in the Suffolk Strategic Partnership’s recent community strategy University Campus Suffolk is seen as key to driving this forward Working as part of a broader transformation of education and workforce development: Children’s Centres, School Organisation Review, Building Schools for the Future, adult learning and skills.

Lowestoft & Great Yarmouth The Vision A new model University developed in partnership with UEA, University of Essex, FE colleges and local authorities in Suffolk A Major new Campus in Ipswich: regeneration of docks Other University Centres in Bury S.E,Lowestoft,Otley Innovative curriculum reflecting market engagement & employer responsiveness Flexible growth reflecting market demand

Suffolk Learning Network (real & virtual) Ipswich campus Bury campus Otley campus Lowestoft campus Suffolk New College campus LEAP Great Yarmouth campus

The Learning Network University Campuses will deliver HE courses alongside Further Education and work based learning LEAP centres (Learning and Enterprise Access points) will deliver community based learning and provide a link to FE, HE, job advice Continuum from early years children’s centres through schools and beyond

Ipswich hub – landmark waterfront development

Phase One curriculum 2007/08 – 2011/12 Business & Management Health Professions Built Environment/Geography Communications, Broadcasting Marketing Conflict and Resolution Wellbeing

Student Growth (FTEs)

Students from Suffolk, %

Where are we now? UCS opened 1 August FTE Students Waterfront Building on schedule Learning Network in place, LEAP centres planned and opening Student number growth 8% Phases 2 and 3 being planned

Impact UCS is already having a major impact: real and perceived, in offering higher education within Suffolk There has been significant local, regional and national investment as such a key priority UCS is helping deliver the broader transformation of learning and skills in Suffolk

UCS: a University for the 21 st Century Suffolk has not had a university until now, but the innovative model may help us leap beyond established models of Higher Education However, this will need long term support and commitment from local, regional and national partners to achieve our vision and sustainability