Over 91% of the working population holds a qualification, which puts Cornwall above the national average, and more than a quarter of those are qualified to NVQ4 or above.
This reflects both the region’s success in attracting graduates to work in key sectors such as environmental technologies, ICT and the creative industries, and the impact of around £200 million of investment in higher education.
Cornwall is one of the UK’s fastest growing study destinations, thanks to a massive expansion of university level education in the county through the Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative. CUC brings together six universities and colleges in a unique partnership, working collaboratively to create new opportunities in Cornwall.
The CUC partners are: University of Exeter, University College Falmouth, University of Plymouth, Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Cornwall College and Truro & Penwith College
The number of higher education students in Cornwall has risen from 3,250 in 2001/2 to over 7,700 in 2009/10 and CUC has attracted more than £260 million to develop new courses and build and equip new facilities. As a result of the work of the Combined Universities, Cornwall is now recognised as a European leader for its innovative, collaborative approach to higher education, underpinned by a commitment to supporting the County’s people and businesses.
The investment in higher education has coincided with increasing GVA per capita – further proof of Cornwall’s rising productivity and efficiency. And to lock in these benefits for the future, Cornwall has also invested in school age education: every state secondary school in the county is a specialist school in at least one field and the Cornwall Marine Academy for 14-19 year olds is a national leader in marine and maritime education.
Related Links
Visit the CUC website
Find out more about schools and colleges at Cornwall Council’s Education site