The College recognises the role that it has within the local and wider communities, both in terms of its activities as an organisation and also in its educational role. We are a substantial local employer (employing around 160 full-time and 50 part-time staff) and have around 850 students learning at our Cirencester campus; most of whom will move into the local area whilst they are studying. The College community itself reaches out into the wider community in a number of ways.

The College holds an annual Raising and Giving (RAG) Week, which raises money for important causes through a week of student events every spring, including a 'tractor-pull' through Cirencester. In 2010, a total of £22,522.80 was raised which was split between three charities - two local organisations, Paternoster School and Riding for the Disabled at Coates, as well as Diabetes UK.

Students also regularly volunteer in local community projects. Recent activities have included redecorating a local community centre and also helping to clean the local open air swimming pool prior to the start of the new season. They are also involved with the Cirencester Good Neighbour Scheme and have organised several events for older people in the local community including ‘information exchanges’ to help with skills, for example, using a computer. If you have any projects that you would some assistance with from our students, please contact us.

In May 2011, the College held the Tractor Ted Farm Show, which was attended by over 3,500 people. It gave members of the public the chance to buy locally through a farmers’ market, as well as an arts and crafts fair. Visitors were treated to farming displays such as digger driving, vintage tractors and quad biking.  Children were able to get up close to farm animals, hold lambs, watch hand-milking cows and learn about farming and the countryside. 

A number of local organisations regularly use the College’s facilities as a venue for meetings and conferences.

The College also recognises the wider role it has in relation to helping to support the local economy through its activities; for example, through the procurement of products and services locally. We aim to consider purchasing locally where it is sustainable to do so.