Cirencester College has been selected as part of one of twenty college partnerships that will receive part of a £5.4 million grant designed to support colleges in the current climate.

The College Collaboration Fund was launched in early 2020 but was paused due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The grant scheme is designed to "support FE colleges to respond to the current challenges around quality improvement and capitalise on good practice, including that developed through new ways of working".

Groups of colleges could apply for grants whilst laying out a proposed plan for spending.

Each proposed scheme had to address at least one of the fund's three "quality improvement themes" identified by the Department of Education: quality of education, financial and resource management, and leadership and governance. This could include developing digital content, supporting online learning, engaging vulnerable learners and addressing mental health issues.

Cirencester College is paired with four South West colleges: Strode, Henley, Brockenhurst and Petroc, and said it will use the funds to develop new support materials for students, parents and employers.

College principal Jim Grant said: "Every school or college has had to overcome challenges in order to support students and their parents during lockdown. This has been particularly tough in rural areas with poor transport, connectivity and isolation.

We are delighted that the Government has recognised this and the project will allow us to work together to share best practice and to improve what can be done in a future lockdown, as well as supporting our current students."