Students who successfully complete a new university foundation programme in agriculture will be guaranteed a place at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), thanks to a new agreement between the RAU and Cambridge-based language school, Bell Cambridge.

The partnership, which was agreed recently at the RAU's Cirencester campus, will start in September 2022 for students on Bell's new agricultural science university foundation programme.

Frank Pinner, principal of Bell Cambridge, said: "We are delighted to have formed this partnership with the RAU, which will allow Bell students access to more than 30 superb undergraduate degrees spanning many different disciplines, including agricultural business management, equine science, entrepreneurship and land management.

"By studying an agricultural science foundation course at Bell and progressing to a degree at RAU, students will be able to go on to some truly outstanding careers. We are especially excited by the opportunities RAU graduates are taking up in the green economy, the horse racing industry and conservation."

As well as the undergraduate progression agreement, Bell is also offering a similar agreement to students on its master's preparation programme, leading to a place on any RAU MSc programme for those who successfully complete Bell's master's course.

Professor Neil Ravenscroft, deputy vice-chancellor at the RAU, said: "We are delighted to be working with Bell. Agriculture and food supply are two of the most vital issues across the globe and it is great to have two such major global names in education coming together to provide more students with opportunities to gain international qualifications that prepare them to make important contributions to addressing shared issues around food systems and security."

Frank Pinner said: "We are looking forward to developing our relationship with the RAU further, through bringing our students to visit the impressive facilities at the RAU, inviting RAU lecturers to take part in our visiting speaker programme, and working together to follow and care for students on their journeys through higher education and onto rewarding careers."