Revitalising education and economy in a 'cold spot': ARU Peterborough
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Founded in September 2022, ARU's Peterborough campus marks a significant milestone in transforming the educational landscape of Peterborough. This £30 million investment addresses a long-standing need for higher education in the city, previously known as a UK higher education 'cold spot.'
Initial launch and growth
The campus launched in 2022 with 2,000 students in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Peterborough City Council.
The second teaching building opened in 2023, and a third building, The Lab, opened in 2024. By 2030, ambitious expansion plans aim to significantly increase capacity.
Focus and impact
Designed to fill a gap in degree-level employment and improve social mobility, 47% of ARU Peterborough's initial intake were local residents. The curriculum emphasises practical, vocational education, offering on-campus lessons, in-work training, apprenticeships, and distance learning for inclusivity and accessibility.
Community collaboration
The campus maintains a 'doors-open' approach, fostering collaboration with local businesses and the community. ARU Peterborough Principal, Prof Ross Renton, emphasises: "Permeability is built into our ethos. There are no blinds because we want people to see what is happening and if members of the community want to walk in and ask questions, then somebody will invite them in and answer them."
Recognition and future potential
In 2023, ARU received the University of the Year award at the UK Social Mobility Awards, recognising the Peterborough campus’s role in advancing social mobility. Prof Renton reflects, “The potential is phenomenal.”
Our Peterborough campus is dedicated to transforming education and boosting social mobility in the region, with a promising future for continued growth and community impact.
"ARU made it really easy for me to get back into things ... We're going to see more jobs in the local area. We're going to see the city centre start to recover a little bit. I really just think it's going to be a massive boost to the local economy."
Erin, BSc (Hons) Applied Computer Science student, ARU Peterborough