28TH APR 2026
Gloucestershire College Proud to Announce a New Campus to Open in 2026
We are expanding our provision in Cheltenham by refurbishing and opening a second campus at the 37,000 square foot former University of Gloucestershire Hardwick campus. Our new college campus, which has been secured from Gloucestershire-based MF Freeman Group, was sourced and secured through a collaborative process involving Bruton Knowles and HCR Law. Located just a 10-minute walk from the town centre, it will become our second site in Cheltenham. The campus will help meet growing demand for post-16 education across the county, with a particular focus on Construction and First Steps programmes starting from September 2026.
This expansion will significantly strengthen Gloucestershire College’s response to the priorities set out in Gloucestershire County Council’s One Plan for Children and Young People in Gloucestershire 2024–2030, further cementing our commitment to local young people. Within the plan there is a call for stronger transition pathways into further education, better guidance and support into adulthood, and a provision model that is more accessible for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The county plan has a strong emphasis on improving access, transition, inclusion and progression for 16–25 year olds, including those who need extra support, training or employment. Our new campus in Cheltenham directly supports these aims by increasing local post-16 provision and reducing the need for young people to travel further to access the right course.
By redeveloping the Hardwick site into modern and accessible facilities, we will expand on our high‑quality provision in Cheltenham, making it easier for young people to stay in education, build skills and progress into further study or local employment.
Matthew Burgess, Principal and CEO (pictured right with Mark Fabian, a college Governor), said: “We are extremely proud of this development; expanding our provision in Cheltenham with a bespoke facility represents a major investment in the county’s future skills pipeline. Gloucestershire College has a strong track record in responding to learner demand, and we are confident that this investment will deliver tangible benefits for local young people. Our new campus will provide a modern, accessible learning environment, with an initial focus on our First Steps provision. These supportive, entry-level programmes help young people build confidence, develop essential English, maths and digital skills, as well as explore future study or career options in a friendly and flexible environment.
With our tailored programmes and strong links with local employers and support services, this expanded provision will help more Cheltenham residents overcome barriers, reengage with learning, and progress into positive, sustainable destinations.”
Luke Freeman, CEO of the M F Freeman Group, which has facilitated the new college campus, commented: “It is great to see the building being repurposed as a teaching space, particularly for such a respected local education provider as Gloucestershire College. We are now continuing to progress our plans for the remainder of the site so that it can be brought back into beneficial use in its entirety. Our vision is a vibrant living and education campus which works well with the local community. As our organisation celebrates its 60th anniversary, we remain committed to securing high-quality redevelopment opportunities such as this.”
We will begin refurbishment works in the coming weeks, alongside recruiting for a range of roles to support the expansion. The College aims to welcome learners and staff to the campus in autumn 2026.
Find out more about the First Steps programmes and current staff vacancies.
First Steps 
