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# Suffolk college students offered £1,000 to study locally
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/suffolk-college-students-offered-1-000-to-study-locally/
- Published: 2026-10-28T08:59:34.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-28T08:59:34.000Z
- Description: Students at three Suffolk college groups could get guaranteed university offers and a £1,000 payment under new agreements designed to ease the cost of higher education closer to home.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Higher Education, Further Education, Suffolk New College, University of Suffolk, Eastern Education Group

**Why it matters:** The University of Suffolk has signed three-year progression agreements with Suffolk New College, East Coast College and Eastern Education Group, recognising that cost-of-living pressures can stop local students from going on to further study.

**The details:** The agreements cover:

- Suffolk New College, in Ipswich
- East Coast College, based in Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth, including Lowestoft Sixth Form College
- Eastern Education Group, comprising One Sixth Form College in Ipswich, and Abbeygate Sixth Form College and West Suffolk College, both in Bury St Edmunds

Under the deals, Level 3 students who meet the entry criteria will receive guaranteed offers on non-interviewing courses, alongside a Partner Award of £1,000 for eligible students to help with financial concerns.

**What they're saying:** Professor Rachel Allen, University of Suffolk Provost, said: "By providing a clear and supportive pathway to higher education, these agreements will help to ensure that our region's students can make the most of their potential and take the next step towards their academic and career goals."

Marianne Flack, Deputy Principal of Suffolk New College, said the agreement aims to "increase the number of learners from underrepresented groups going into higher education" and will "give our learners greater access to a degree on their doorstep."

She added that the college has a number of students who are the first in their families to go to university: "This new deal is great news for them and we are delighted to be strengthening our link and increasing opportunities for our community via this partnership."

Kerry Payne, Assistant Principal for Higher Education and Access at East Coast College, said the agreement "provides our students with clear and accessible routes into higher education, alongside valuable financial support and enhanced progression opportunities."

Laraine Moody, Executive Group Principal at Eastern Education Group, said: "We look forward to more Eastern Education Group students taking up these incredible offers and working together with the University."

**For context:** The University has also strengthened its partnership with the Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA), signing a progression agreement for students taking the CAVA Access to Higher Education Diploma at further education colleges across the region.

**The bottom line:** The new agreements aim to remove some of the financial and practical barriers facing Suffolk students, offering clearer routes and direct support for those looking to progress from college into higher education without leaving the region.

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