A GROUP of UK sixth form colleges, including Winchester’s Peter Symonds College, have joined forces with Middlesex University London to offer new routes into higher education.

The unique partnership, named the Caxton Group, was launched in London alongside other participants.

The group will build on initial work between Peter Symonds College and Middlesex University, with long term plans to pool resources and expertise that will eventually lead to a country- wide network of colleges developing their own higher education programmes for the benefit of their communities.

Peter Symonds College is already providing access to higher education level study for people but has plans to provide a wider range of opportunities and give more people the chance to access university level qualifications.

The Caxton Group partnership will also speed up the development of higher education within the sixth form sector more widely, sharing good practice and pooling financial resources to ensure value for money.