**Welsh College Quashes Rumours Surrounding Campus Closures**
Coleg Ceredigion has moved swiftly to deny reports circulating in the local press that its Aberystwyth and Cardigan campuses are facing closure. Concerns have arisen amidst wider discussions about educational provision in Ceredigion, particularly following news of new developments in nearby Lampeter. However, college officials have categorically stated there are no plans to close either site.
The issue surfaced following recent headlines that suggested the future of post-16 education at both Aberystwyth and Cardigan was under threat. These fears appeared to intensify after an announcement by Ceredigion Council and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) regarding strategic plans to secure and develop educational opportunities at the UWTSD Lampeter campus. According to the statement released last Friday, “Coleg Ceredigion wants to assure you that the recent article published in the local press is incorrect,” directly referencing the closure speculation.
The confusion seems to be partly connected to ongoing transformations in the region’s educational landscape. In a bid to revitalise learning and vocational training in Lampeter, Ceredigion Council, in partnership with UWTSD, has revealed proposals to introduce a suite of new practical courses. Areas such as agriculture, horticulture, gastronomy and construction will be the focus, aimed at supporting the region’s economy and its rural communities.
In an effort to underpin these new courses with practical experience, Ceredigion Council has concluded the purchase of a substantial piece of farmland, Llettytwppa, neighbouring the Lampeter campus. The property, valued at approximately £1.8 million, has been acquired with the assistance of a loan from the Welsh Government. Council leader Bryan Davies described the move as “a strategic investment in the future of rural education,” emphasising its importance for local learners and businesses.
It is worth noting that these changes at Lampeter follow the transfer earlier this year of undergraduate courses to the university’s Carmarthen campus. This restructuring had, according to some, left uncertainty over the continuity of educational opportunities at Lampeter. Now, the council and university are keen to secure Lampeter’s status as a hub for vocational learning over the next three years. Plans also include the development of new community facilities on-site, although it has been confirmed that A-level courses will not be provided at Lampeter.
Public consultations are scheduled over the coming months, offering local residents a chance to share their perspectives and influence the direction of the new campus projects. These sessions will be key in shaping a curriculum that meets both local employment needs and students’ aspirations.
It is against this backdrop of change and innovation that the claim of campus closures at Coleg Ceredigion emerged. In response, a joint statement from Coleg Sir Gar and Coleg Ceredigion stressed: “There are no plans to close any of our campuses in Ceredigion, and remove post-16 education from Aberystwyth and Cardigan.” This reassurance is likely to be welcomed by parents, students and staff, who widely value the provision of local education across the county.
The controversy highlights ongoing challenges facing further and higher education institutions in Wales, as demographic shifts and funding pressures necessitate adaptation and collaboration. While local authorities and educational leaders seek to future-proof colleges and universities, they must balance innovation with the preservation of established campuses that remain vital to their communities.
As discussions about the future of education in Ceredigion continue, stakeholders across the region will be closely monitoring the progress of the Lampeter campus and the sustained commitment to keeping Aberystwyth and Cardigan sites open. For now, officials have offered clear assurances – and are urging the public not to believe unfounded rumours.