Save Evesham College: Stop the Closure and Protect Local Education

WCG (Warwickshire College Group) has announced plans to close Evesham College and move all courses to Pershore College by September 2025. This decision, presented as a move to improve education and facilities, disregards the real impact on our community.

Why This Closure is Wrong for Evesham

Evesham College is a crucial educational hub for Evesham and the surrounding area, currently serving 200 students. With Pershore College only serving 250, the demand for education in this region is clear.

Closing Evesham College ignores the practical realities for students and staff. For many, Pershore is not an option due to transport, financial, and accessibility issues. Students with EHCPs and additional needs are particularly affected, as relying on shuttle buses or traveling outside town could be overwhelming.

Evesham already faces significant social mobility challenges. The closure of Evesham College removes a vital opportunity for local young people to progress and succeed.

WCG claims Evesham College is underused, but this is the result of years of neglect. Courses and students have been moved out as part of a strategy to justify the closure.

The promise of a shuttle bus is not enough. Transport links between Evesham and Pershore are limited, expensive, and unreliable. For low-income students, the extra costs and longer travel times will make continuing their education unfeasible.

With low wages and few job opportunities locally, the closure will not only harm students but also lead to job losses that impact the community's economy.

Evesham is already isolated, with the nearest alternative FE providers 15 miles away in any direction. This closure adds to the growing lack of services and opportunities for local youth since 2008.

WCG’s proposal to rename Pershore College to ‘Pershore and Evesham College’ is a hollow gesture that cannot replace the loss of a local, accessible education provider in Evesham.

The Reality Behind WCG’s Plans

WCG claims this closure will improve education and ensure financial sustainability, but the facts tell a different story:

The consultation process is deeply flawed. Key decisions seem to have already been made without public transparency. Meetings with local councillors and MPs have taken place behind closed doors.

While the public consultation period has been extended, the staff consultation ends on May 9th, meaning job cuts could occur before proper discussions are held.

WCG has failed to provide a clear, detailed plan showing how this move will benefit students. Instead, they offer vague promises about upgrades at Pershore.

WCG has a social responsibility to our community, and by closing Evesham College, they are failing to meet it.

Our Demand: Keep Evesham College Open

We, the undersigned, demand that WCG halt plans to close Evesham College and commit to investing in its future. We call for:

• A fair, transparent review of WCG’s long-term plans, including an independent assessment of Evesham College’s viability.
• A genuine public consultation that ensures the voices of students, parents, staff, and the community are heard before irreversible decisions are made.
• A commitment to reinvest in Evesham College, restoring its status as a vital educational hub.

How You Can Help

- Sign and share this petition to show your support for Evesham College.

- Raise awareness by contacting local councillors, MPs, and media outlets.

- Join the campaign and make your voice heard at http://wcg.ac.uk/eveshamconsultation

Evesham’s education is at risk.Stand with us to protect the future of our young people, adult learners, and the community.

Sign the petition today and help save Evesham College!