New 'University Challenge' proposals

Following a period of consultation and an invitation to submit proposals, we received 28 applications to develop new higher education centres under the Government's new 'University Challenge' initiative.

Successful proposals

We agreed that six of these proposals could be developed. But until spending decisions that affect the period 2011 to 2014 have been resolved we are advising that the development of these proposals should be postponed.

The successful proposals were in the following locations:

  • Somerset (various locations) (lead HEI – Bournemouth University)
  • Crawley (lead HEI – University of Brighton)
  • Milton Keynes (lead HEI – University of Bedfordshire)
  • Swindon (lead HEI – University of the West of England, Bristol)
  • Thurrock (lead HEI – University of Essex)
  • The Wirral (lead HEI – University of Chester)
  • King's Lynn (lead HEI – Anglia Ruskin University).

Unsuccessful proposals

Of all submitted proposals, we decided that 20 were not strong enough to take forward. The reasons for these decisions included:

  • proximity to existing HE campuses
  • insufficient evidence
  • uncertainty of population growth
  • insufficiently strong strategic partnership
  • proposals relating to employer engagement not meeting the criteria.

The unsuccessful proposals were in the following locations:

  • Ashington and Berwick (lead HEI – University of Sunderland)
  • Aylesbury (lead HEI – Buckinghamshire New University)
  • Basingstoke (lead HEI – University of Winchester)
  • Croydon (lead HEI – University of Sussex)
  • Dearne Valley (lead HEI – Staffordshire University)
  • Doncaster (lead HEI – University of Hull)
  • Kingston Maurward College and Weymouth College (lead HEI - University of the West of England)
  • Havering (lead HEI – Anglia Ruskin University)
  • Halifax (lead HEI – Leeds Metropolitan University)
  • Herefordshire (lead HEI – University of Worcester
  • Hertfordshire (lead HEI – University of Hertfordshire)
  • Hull College at Goole and Harrogate (lead HEI – Leeds Metropolitan University)
  • North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire (lead HEI – University of Derby)
  • North Northamptonshire (lead HEI – University of Northampton)
  • Peterborough (lead HEI – Anglia Ruskin University)
  • Salisbury (lead HEI – University of Bath)
  • Shropshire (lead HEI – Staffordshire University)
  • South Black Country – Dudley and Sandwell (lead HEI – University of Wolverhampton)
  • Thanet (lead HEI – Canterbury Christ Church University)
  • Wakefield (lead HEI – University of Leeds)
  • Wigan and Leigh (lead HEI – University of Central Lancashire)

Last updated 31 March 2010