£34m College Boost to Create New Classrooms and Specialist Training Facilities

Colleges across Staffordshire are set to expand after securing millions of pounds in government funding - but work must continue to determine whether the investment can meet growing demand for post-16 places.

More than £34 million is being invested in colleges across Staffordshire to create new classrooms, workshops and specialist training facilities.

The funding, awarded by the Department for Education through its Post-16 Capacity Fund, is intended to help colleges accommodate increasing numbers of 16 to 18 year olds while preparing students for careers in sectors facing skills shortages.

Staffordshire County Council worked with further education providers to make the case for investment across the county.

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has secured £6.8 million towards a £13 million extension of its main building at Newcastle College’s Knutton Lane campus.

The development is expected to create 16 additional classrooms and allow the college to accommodate many more students.

Stoke-on-Trent College will receive £6 million to continue developing facilities designed to provide practical training for work in high demand industries.

Elsewhere, Burton and South Derbyshire College has been awarded £4.9 million to replace its former engineering workshop with a purpose built learning facility.

South Staffordshire College has secured £15 million for work across its Rodbaston, Lichfield and Cannock campuses.

Plans include refurbished media teaching spaces and a new learning resource centre at Lichfield, alongside additional construction workshops at Cannock.

More than £10 million will be invested at Rodbaston College, including expanded teaching and learning support facilities and a new Civil Engineering Centre for young people, adults and apprentices.

Cllr Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, described the funding as a “huge boost” for further education.

He said: 

“It will give more young people the opportunity to learn in modern facilities and develop the skills they need for their future careers.

“It’s also great news for businesses, giving them access to a talented workforce with the skills our local economy needs.”

The announcement comes as Staffordshire’s colleges face rising demand for places. Previous analysis by the county council and its partners estimated that an additional 4,185 post-16 places could be required by the 2029–30 academic year.

The latest investment represents a significant expansion, but it may not settle the capacity question entirely.

The council and education providers will continue assessing projected student numbers to establish whether the funded developments will create enough places - and identify where further investment may still be required.

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