Colleges' Shop
Two colleges have joined forces to provide a one-stop shop for education in Darlington.
The new information centre in the town's Priestgate is offering potential students of all ages a host of vocational and academic courses provided by teaching staff at Darlington College of Technology and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.
Darlington College has operated an information point in the town centre for more than seven years, moving to Priestgate two years ago, but this is the first time the colleges have worked together so closely.
Information and advice on hundreds of courses is now easily available on a wide range of qualifications and subjects ranging from GSCEs, A Levels and degrees to AVCEs, NVQs and City and Guilds. Courses cover everything from History, English and Maths to Brick-laying, Film Studies and Catering.
Principal of Darlington College, Sarah Farley, said:
"It really is symbolic that we are at the heart of the town centre reshaping services to provide better education for people in Darlington. It has been made possible because of the way staff at the colleges are now working so closely together."
Principal of Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, David Heaton, said:
"I think it's an excellent idea and says a great deal about the work of the two colleges. It is not always easy to work in partnership when you're busy looking after your own interests, but we have proved it can be done and it is working well."
Director of Education for Darlington Borough Council, Geoff Pennington, said the move was significant in the history of education in the town.
"It sets an example of how collaboration can benefit young people and the rest of the community in Darlington by helping them access a wider range of education."
The information centre is open Monday to Thursday from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Friday from 9.00am to 4.30pm and Saturday from 11.00am to 3.00pm and can be contacted on 01325 485717.
September 23, 2003