With record numbers of university students opting to stay at home, young people at Northampton College will now have a better chance of getting a degree thanks to a new progression agreement with the University of Northampton (UON).
The agreement will see courses aligned between the two institutions, giving college students more options when choosing a degree and increasing their chances of securing a place at their local university.
Under the arrangement, qualifications gained at Northampton College – including BTECs, T Levels and HNDs – will be mapped against degree programmes at the UON. This means students will be able to see clearly how their existing studies can lead directly into a wide range of university courses.
Professor Anne-Marie Kilday, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, said the agreement is designed to widen participation in higher education and support more learners to continue their studies locally by making their options clear and by reducing barriers linked to cost of moving away to study.
She added: “As well as opening up straightforward progression routes into related degree subjects, the mapping process also highlights how skills developed in one discipline can transfer into others.
“For example, students studying computing-related courses may discover pathways into business degrees, while those in health and social care could progress into careers such as nursing, paramedic or sports sciences.
“Crucially, the agreement helps students understand that their current qualifications already equip them with valuable and transferable skills, giving them the confidence to consider higher education as an achievable next step.”
Northampton College Principal Jason Lancaster said: “Our county needs more people with higher level skills to drive the innovation and productivity we need to be successful in the future. Gaining a higher education qualification is a great way to do this, supporting our local businesses and public services.
“This agreement means that students joining advanced level courses at Northampton College who gain the right grades will be able to progress through to relevant degree and masters programmes at the University of Northampton. As a result, we expect that many more people who have grown up in the county will start their careers with a higher education qualification in the county and keep all the economic and societal benefits local.
“Through this exciting and innovative agreement, we will continue to expand the skilled talent pool that will make Northamptonshire attractive for innovative businesses, creating better opportunities and lives for all.”
Students will apply to university through UCAS in the usual way, with the agreement providing reassurance that, with the right grades, Northampton College students have a great pathway into suitable courses at UON.
The partnership reflects a growing trend of students studying closer to home. Data from UCAS in 2025 showed that 31% of UK 18-year-olds now choose to live at home while studying, up from 22% in the last decade, highlighting the importance of strong local education pathways.
The progression agreement is part of the Futureskills Northamptonshire partnership, which brings together the University of Northampton, Northampton College and Moulton College to strengthen skills development and create clearer education pathways across the county.
