Education for the Modern World

By working with us, you can develop a workforce your competitors simply can’t match.

About The Colleges’ Partnership

Since 1998, The Colleges’ Partnership (TCP) has been helping employers build skilled, future-ready workforces through exceptional vocational and professional training.

Founded through a unique collaboration between two of England's leading Further and Higher Education colleges, TCP combines the academic excellence, governance and quality assurance of the college sector with the agility, innovation and national reach of an independent training provider.

Originally established to deliver specialist apprenticeship training for the Armed Forces, TCP has grown into a trusted national provider supporting employers across the public, private and defence sectors throughout the UK and beyond. Today, we deliver a diverse portfolio of apprenticeships, designed in partnership with employers to address real skills needs and create lasting business impact.

In 2020, we strengthened our offer further by adding an Ofqual-recognised End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) to the group - Notebook Assessment Services, enabling us to support employers and apprentices throughout the entire apprenticeship journey. With more than 25 years of experience, a commitment to innovation, and a reputation for quality, TCP continues to empower learners, transform organisations and deliver education that meets the demands of the modern workplace.
Modern Worcester College building with white and dark brick exterior, large windows, and colorful panels, with a paved courtyard and parking area in front.
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Front view of Bridgewater and Taunton County Council building with trees and a pathway leading to the entrance
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History of The Colleges’ Partnership

In 1998, Wiltshire College and Somerset College came together to form The Colleges’ Partnership. Their goal was to deliver education and training to the military.

At first they offered only two apprenticeships: Engineering Maintenance, and Horse Care. Both were for the Royal Armoured Corps. But in 2003, the colleges extended their engineering apprenticeship to the Armoured Infantry.

Until November 2005, The Colleges’ Partnership was just two education providers with a shared interest. But this changed after they introduced an Advanced Telecommunications apprenticeship for the Royal School of Signals. From then on, the cooperation between Wiltshire College and Somerset College (now Wiltshire College & University Centre and Bridgewater & Taunton College) became officially recognised. The result was The Colleges’ Partnership Ltd., a limited company.

Since then we’ve significantly expanded our apprenticeships programme and in 2023 support the Air Corps, Royal Signals, Infantry and Royal Artillery, as well as numerous large and small civilian employers. We have over 5000 apprentices on programme in subjects ranging from education, to digital, to leadership and management. 

We are proud to support the Armed Forces and of our enduring collaboration with our FE/HE partners.

Our achievements so far…

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Armed Forces Covenant

Serving personnel (regular and reserve), cadets, veterans and military families contribute incredible value to our organisation and our country.

The Colleges’ Partnership is proud of our military heritage, and we actively support the Armed Forces community. Through the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme we want to encourage others to do the same. The Colleges’ Partnership holds the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.

Find out more

Our Leadership Team

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    Tony Basham - CEO

    Tony joined the company in May 2020 as Executive Director and was appointed CEO in August 2022.

    Prior to joining The Colleges’ Partnership, Tony has held senior leadership roles within large Ofsted grade 1 and 2 Colleges, including most recently as Executive Director at Wiltshire College and University Centre. Tony has worked across all funding streams and provision types, as well as extensively in the private training sector.

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    Ann Casserly - Head of Finance

    Ann joined the company in September 2022 as Senior Management Accountant and now oversees administration & MIS as the Head of Finance.

    Prior to joining The Colleges’ Partnership, Ann has held senior finance roles within UK and US global Corporations. Ann has extensive experience working across all areas of finance including both large multinationals and family run businesses.

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    Scott Phillips - Head of HR & Business Support

    Scott joined the Company in May 2016 as a Temporary HR Assistant and has advanced from HR Officer to his current role as Head of HR & Business Support working with the Strategic Management Team to lead on the Company’s People Strategy.

    Building on his prior management knowledge, Scott has experience and expertise across various HR functions, including training and development, performance management, recruitment, employee relations, and health and wellbeing. Scott is also responsible for overseeing Business Support functions including IT.

  • Sarah Lynch

    Sarah Lynch - Head of Infantry & Functional Skills

    Sarah joined the company in January 2024 as Head of Progress & Achievement and now oversees the delivery of TCP’s contracts with the MOD as Head of Infantry & Functional Skills.

    Sarah is an accomplished leader in digital learning and organisational development, with nearly 10 years of experience driving strategic change in educational environments, Sarah has expertise in designing and implementing AI-enhanced learning frameworks and leading large-scale transformation projects.

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    Kerri Doherty - Head of Technical Apprenticeships

    Kerri joined the company from RACPD in August 2023 as a Coach and has progressed from Contract Manager for the Royal Artillery to overseeing a number of contracts as Head of Technical Apprenticeships.

    Kerri brings over a decade of knowledge working within the Royal Artillery contract and has experienced a wide range of roles across the apprenticeship journey, including administration, MIS, and delivery alongside management.

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    Andrea Hill - Head of Business Development

    Andrea joined the company in January 2025 as Head of Business Development, developing and managing the growth of TCP’s commercial operations.

    Andrea specialises in apprenticeships and has previous experience across the wider skills sector including ITPs, Colleges, and C.I.C.s. Andrea is passionate about creating opportunities for learners and employers and developing innovative approaches to work-based learning.

Building the workforce of tomorrow: Our 5 Year Plan

“Leaders have worked closely with employers to devise curriculums that fill nationally recognised skills gaps. Employers rapidly see how the training apprentices receive makes them more effective employees.”

Ofsted Report – May 2023 

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