University and college to receive funding boost

Northampton College principal Jason Lancaster said the money would be used to buy new equipment

A town's college and university are to receive extra government funding to invest in facilities and courses.

The University of Northampton and Northampton College were awarded £800,000 and £500,000 from the Office for Students (OfS), a non-departmental public body of the Department for Education.

The University of Northampton said it would use the money to facilitate the creation of a "cutting-edge" biomedical laboratory teaching and data analysis suite at its Waterside Campus.

Northampton College said it would use the funds to upgrade equipment and pave the way for a "bold new chapter" in skills development.

In all, 60 universities and colleges were awarded money from the 2025-26 OfS capital funding allocations.

The University of Northampton will use its award of £800,000 to help fund a new laboratory

The university said the new lab would feature microscopy equipment, analysis workstations, and specialised software.

Vice chancellor Prof Anne-Marie Kilday said: "The installation of the new laboratory spaces will continue to ensure environmental sustainability and pioneering Stem education are at the forefront of our mission to continue delivering a gold-standard education for our scientific minds of the future."

Northampton College said it would use its funding for a range of purposes, including new construction and engineering materials testing equipment, and film, television and music production equipment for creative performance and technical university-level students.

Principal Jason Lancaster said: "The college is working with employers across multiple industries to deliver a range of vital skills needs and qualifications to support students entering the workforce.

"This funding will allow us to purchase industry-standard equipment that will help to build the skills required for both academic success and future employment.

The funding news comes days after the announcement of a major new partnership between the University of Northampton, Northampton College and Moulton College.

OfS director of resources and finance, Nolan Smith, said: "This year's funding allocation will help a broad range of universities and colleges to ensure their students can access the facilities and equipment they need to succeed."