We’re delighted to share that from 1 August 2025, Bridgwater & Taunton College and Strode College merged to form University Centre Somerset College Group (UCS College Group). The new group has been formed to drive economic growth and deliver the skills that Somerset and the wider region need to thrive.

The formation of UCS College Group marks a pivotal moment for Somerset. We are creating a stronger, united force for education, driven by one vision; to transform lives and communities through learning and partnerships.

As one of the largest college groups in England, UCS College Group is ideally placed to influence and shape educational and economic policies benefitting Somerset; playing a pivotal role in driving initiatives that deliver inward investment, enhance local infrastructures and ensure educational advancements translate into broad-scale economic benefits. Each College will remain embedded in its local community, with its own Principal and Local College Board, ensuring that decisions and delivery remain locally informed and responsive whilst leveraging the group's resources and initiatives.

Your workforce. Our priorities.
While our name may have changed, our dedication to supporting employer partners remains stronger than ever.

With our expanded capabilities and unified vision, UCS College Group is uniquely positioned to support employers across Somerset and beyond. Our partnerships are built on flexibility, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of industry needs, helping to ensure all businesses can thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. Whether you're looking to upskill your workforce, recruit fresh talent, or collaborate on innovative training solutions, we’re here to help YOU.

We offer a comprehensive range of training solutions, including Apprenticeships, Distance Learning and Skills Bootcamps designed to support workforce development across all sectors.

We have strategically placed ourselves as a regional leading provider for technical and professional training. We work in collaboration with a large number of local and national employers to identify industry skills gaps and to train the next generation of professionals, combining leading edge practice with a wealth of opportunity and development.

Here at UCS College Group, we’re proud of the passionate team behind our employer partnerships. Our Business Relationship Managers are dedicated professionals who go above and beyond to support businesses across Somerset and beyond. With a deep understanding of industry needs, they work closely with employers to deliver tailored training solutions that drive real impact.