In a major step for higher education in Cornwall and Devon, Cornwall College Group (CCG) has been granted full bachelor’s degree awarding powers by the Office for Students (OfS), enhancing opportunities and supporting regional growth.
From 16 May 2026, the College will be able to design and deliver its own degrees, extending its current foundation degree awarding powers. This new status allows CCG to build programmes that are employer-led, industry-aligned and directly tailored to the needs of local communities and businesses.
The OfS report highlighted the College’s “sound academic governance and management structures”, strong student partnership and “particularly impressive” performance review process for staff.
Assessors also commended the College’s “significant engagement with industry”, noting that experts actively shape teaching, learning and assessment and that students benefit from fieldwork and placements that increase their employability.
Dr Jennie Jordan, Head of Higher Education at CCG, described the news as “an exciting milestone for higher education in Cornwall.”
“Achieving full degree awarding powers marks a major step forward. It means we can create high-quality, career-focused degrees that directly respond to the skills needed now and in the future across Cornwall’s industries,”
“This opens up incredible opportunities for people in Cornwall to access higher education locally, gain qualifications aligned with real career pathways and contribute to the growth and success of our region,” continued Jennie.
Mark Wardle, Executive Principal at CCG, echoed this sentiment, calling the achievement “a landmark moment for Cornwall College Group”.
Mark explained: “The OfS has recognised the strength of our academic standards, our culture of continuous improvement and our long-standing partnerships with employers.
“These powers allow us to expand our higher education offer in sectors critical to Cornwall’s economy – from engineering and marine to digital and green skills – and to play a greater role in driving productivity and prosperity across the region.”
The OfS report also praised the College’s robust quality systems, small supportive class sizes and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. It found that CCG “designs and delivers courses and qualifications that provide a high-quality academic experience to all students” and that its regulatory frameworks are “secure, transparent and consistently applied”.
About Cornwall College Group
Cornwall College Group (CCG) is the largest education and training provider in the South West, with campuses across Cornwall and Devon. the Group delivers further education, apprenticeships and higher education through Cornwall College University Centre with campuses at Newquay, the Eden Project, Camborne, Duchy College and Falmouth Marine School. Working closely with employers and partners, CCG provides education and training that drives skills, supports communities, and contributes to regional economic growth.
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