Gloucestershire College Announces Second Campus in Cheltenham to Boost Post‑16 Places and Tackle County Post-16 Education Priorities
Gloucestershire College is expanding its provision in Cheltenham by refurbishing and opening a second campus at the 37,000 square foot former University of Gloucestershire Hardwick campus. The new college campus, which has been secured from Gloucestershire-based MF Freeman Group, was sourced and secured through a collaborative process involving Bruton Knowles and HCR Law. Located just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, it will become the college’s second site in Cheltenham. The campus will help meet growing demand for post-16 education across the county, with a particular focus on Construction and First Steps programmes starting from September 2026.
This expansion will significantly strengthen Gloucestershire College’s response to the priorities set out in Gloucestershire County Council’s One Plan for Children and Young People in Gloucestershire 2024–2030, further cementing the college’s commitment to local young people. Within the plan there is a call for stronger transition pathways into further education, better guidance and support into adulthood, and a provision model that is more accessible for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The county plan has a strong emphasis on improving access, transition, inclusion and progression for 16–25 year olds, including those who need extra support, training or employment. The new campus in Cheltenham directly supports these aims by increasing local post-16 provision and reducing the need for young people to travel further to access the right course.
By redeveloping the Hardwick site into modern and accessible facilities, Gloucestershire College will expand on its high‑quality provision in Cheltenham, making it easier for young people to stay in education, build skills and progress into further study or local employment.
Matthew Burgess, Principal and CEO, said: “We are extremely proud of this development; expanding our provision in Cheltenham with a bespoke facility represents a major investment in the county’s future skills pipeline. Gloucestershire College has a strong track record in responding to learner demand, and we are confident that this investment will deliver tangible benefits for local young people. Our new campus will provide a modern, accessible learning environment, with an initial focus on our First Steps provision. These supportive, entry-level programmes help young people build confidence, develop essential English, maths and digital skills, as well as explore future study or career options in a friendly and flexible environment.
With our tailored programmes and strong links with local employers and support services, this expanded provision will help more Cheltenham residents overcome barriers, reengage with learning, and progress into positive, sustainable destinations.”
Luke Freeman, CEO of the M F Freeman Group, which has facilitated the new college campus, commented: “It is great to see the building being repurposed as a teaching space, particularly for such a respected local education provider as Gloucestershire College. We are now continuing to progress our plans for the remainder of the site so that it can be brought back into beneficial use in its entirety. Our vision is a vibrant living and education campus which works well with the local community. As our organisation celebrates its 60th anniversary, we remain committed to securing high-quality redevelopment opportunities such as this.”
Gloucestershire College will begin refurbishment works in the coming weeks, alongside recruiting for a range of roles to support the expansion. The College aims to welcome learners and staff to the campus in autumn 2026.
To find out more about the First Steps programmes and current staff vacancies, visit the college website.
About M F Freeman Group: M F Freeman Group is a well-respected, family-owned construction business that operates a diverse group of companies across contracting, civils, industrial construction, housebuilding (Freeman Homes), plant and tipper hire, strategic land and community investment. Based on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, the group was founded in 1966 and draws on 60 years of construction and asset management expertise. At Group level, M F Freeman has partnered with the UK’s leading net zero certification body, Planet Mark, to map a clear and measured route to net zero by 2045, ahead of the UK’s national 2050 target. The Group aligns with seven United Nations Sustainable Development Goals where it can make the greatest impact, continually delivering on its mission of ‘Building for a Better Future’.
About First Steps: Gloucestershire College’s First Steps provision offers supportive, entry-level programmes that help adults and young people build confidence, develop essential English, maths and digital skills, and explore future study or career options in a friendly, flexible environment. Designed for those who may have been out of education, are unsure of their next move or need a gentle introduction to college life, First Steps courses provide small classes, tailored guidance and clear progression routes into further training, apprenticeships or employment.
Find out more at www.gloscol.ac.uk
For further information please contact:
Andy Bates, Chief Financial Officer and Vice Principal
Telephone: 07748 704022
Email: andy.bates@gloscol.ac.uk
