19th October 2026
BHASVIC join FHESSA to boost skills, opportunity and regional growth
Universities and colleges across Sussex have joined forces in a new strategic alliance aimed at improving opportunities for learners, supporting employers and helping drive the region’s future prosperity.
Nine further and higher education institutions have formally established the Further & Higher Education Sussex Strategic Alliance (FHESSA), bringing together their collective expertise, reach and resources to strengthen the contribution education makes to people, communities and the regional economy.
The new alliance brings together:
- Bexhill College
- BHASVIC
- University of Brighton
- Chichester College Group
- University of Chichester
- East Sussex College Group
- Plumpton College
- University of Sussex
- Varndean College
The alliance will provide a stronger, collective voice for further and higher education in Sussex and create new opportunities for institutions to work together on some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the region.
This will include developing new learning opportunities and clearer routes through further and higher education for learners of all ages, responding to regional skills needs, widening access to learning and opportunity, and strengthening the contribution education makes to economic growth and thriving communities across Sussex.
The creation of FHESSA comes at an important moment for the region, as new arrangements for devolution, including the new Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority, create opportunities for greater collaboration over skills, employment, infrastructure and economic development.
Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton and co-chair of FHESSA, said:
“Education changes lives and strengthens the places we serve. By working together across Sussex, our colleges and universities can create more opportunities for people of all ages to learn, develop the skills they need and build successful careers.
“This alliance gives us a stronger collective voice and a real opportunity to respond to the needs of our communities and employers. By combining our strengths, we can help build a more skilled, enterprising and inclusive Sussex.”
Jeremy Kerswell, CEO & Principal of Plumpton College, and co-chair of FHESSA said:
"Sussex and Brighton is fortunate to have these incredible educational institutions who each bring their unique expertise and track record to the post 16 education sector. Whilst that distinctiveness is such a strength, we recognise that we can do so much more together and in doing so have an even greater impact on young people, adults, communities and employers across the region."
Cllr Bella Sankey, Chair of the Sussex and Brighton Strategic Authority, said:
“Devolution gives Sussex and Brighton a once-in-a-generation chance to shape our own future. For people across the region, that means better jobs, better wages and the opportunity to build a good career where they grew up. That is exactly what the Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority is working towards. FHESSA, as a partnership that brings together the expertise of our colleges and universities, can help make this happen”.
FHESSA was formally launched on Friday 9 October at an event bringing together education leaders and regional partners at One Garden Brighton.
