A CITY centre community college will be joining the Bradford College group, moving its base in the process.

From August 1, Forster Community College, currently based on Captain Street in Little Germany, will become part of the Bradford College Group.

A newly-formed department of Bradford College will “retain Forster’s strong brand and ethos” and continue to deliver further education and skills training, and the college says it will allow Forster's to expand its curriculum and improve its facilities.

The change will also see the college move from its current building, which it leases, to a building on Chapel Street in Little Germany, which it will share with Bradford College’s City Training Services.

Forster Community College has provided vocational skills and community education for 34 years, and in that time it operated Forster’s Bistro in City Park, and other “pop up” ventures to help train students, including a charity shop on Ivegate.

A College spokesman said: “Joining the Bradford College family will allow services to grow and the curriculum to expand, whilst retaining Forster’s unique and successful way of working with their customers. There is a commitment to continue to maintain and expand services for the benefit of all.”

Bradford College Principal David Harwood said: “This is an exciting move that ensures the transition of learning delivery is smooth and that learners will have access to Forster’s unique service in the future.

“The newly formed department will keep its own brand identity and expertise, and continue to serve the community as it always has done. The learners will have the additional bene?ts of better premises and facilities as well as the opportunity to access Bradford College’s other excellent facilities which include the library in our David Hockney Building, gym at our Trinity Green campus, all our online resources.”

Shelia Robinson, Forster’s CEO, said: “We are confident that with the support of Bradford College, Forster’s services can successfully develop and grow.

"This opportunity offers future stability and a natural evolution for both Forster Community College and Bradford College.”

Judith Kirk, Bradford Council’s deputy director for education, employment and skills, said, “This development helps to ensure that the vocational and community education provided by Forster Community College over more than 30 years can continue as part of the wider Bradford College family.

“It is good to see organisations coming together in Bradford to strengthen the education offer available to people in our district.”