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JOIN USCambridge Regional College Offers More Student Places For September 2026 Following Government Growth Funding
19 August 2026Cambridge Regional College (CRC) has welcomed the government’s announcement guaranteeing in-year funding for exceptional growth in 16 to 19 funded students for the 2026 to 2027 academic year. In immediate response to the news, the college has increased the number of student places available for this September across its Cambridge and Huntingdon campuses.
The Department for Education (DfE) guarantee is designed to give further education colleges the confidence to offer post-16 places to every young person who wants one. Drawn from the Government’s £9 billion 16 to 19 programme funding, the measure directly underpins national efforts to drive down the number of young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).
The announcement reinforces the strategic policy direction outlined in the Government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and the Post-16 Pathways: Implementation Plan, placing technical education, apprenticeships and local skills alignment at the heart of economic growth.
Following the funding commitment, CRC is making additional capacity available across high-demand technical pathways, T Levels, BTECs, and vocational study programmes for the upcoming 2026/27 academic year, giving more young people the opportunity to secure a place this September.
The college has also scaled up its drop-in Advice Cafés across both campuses, adding more days where students and parents can access GCSE results support and career guidance, particularly for those reconsidering their options after results day.
Mark Robertson, Principal and Chief Executive of Cambridge Regional College, said:
“This funding guarantee from the Government is a hugely positive step for young people across Cambridgeshire and the wider region. It allows us to open our doors to even more young people across the region, providing greater access to high-quality post-16 technical and vocational education.
“In immediate response to this announcement, we are increasing the number of students we are able to welcome across our Cambridge and Huntingdon campuses this September, while boosting our Advice Café drop-in services. We know how crucial this moment is as young people receive their results and decide on their next steps.
“With over a million young people aged 16 to 24 not in education, employment or training (NEET) across the country, it’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure young people have access to the right opportunities and support. Whether a student is considering a T Level, BTEC, apprenticeship or progression to Higher Education, we are ready to help them take that next step on their route to a career that is exciting and fulfilling.”
Results Advice Cafés & Enrolment Support
Running from 20 to 28th August 2026, the expanded Advice Cafés offer tailored, one-to-one guidance with careers advisors to explore available pathways, T Levels, apprenticeships, and entry requirements.
While drop-ins are welcomed throughout the offer period, advance booking is recommended to guarantee dedicated time with an advisor. To book a space or view full event details, visit www.camre.ac.uk/advice-cafes or call 01223 418200.
