Hereford's new university has 'big vote of confidence'

Hereford and South Herefordshire MP Jesse Norman said he gave a warm welcome to further recognition from the Government for the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE),

Calling it Herefordshire's pioneering university project, Mr Norman said it should boost local economic growth and business development.

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This recognition comes at the end of what he said was a breakthrough month for NMITE, based in Blackfriars Street, which was also named in the Government's Levelling Up White Paper in February.

It now has two cohorts enrolled on its pioneering Masters in Integrated Engineering course, the first of which stared last Autumn, and is planning to scale up both course and student numbers significantly.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi says NMITE has the potential both to regenerate Herefordshire and the Marches. Picture: Aaron Chown/PA Wire

Secretary of State for Education Nadhim Zahawi said: "NMITE is a pioneering new model of skills-based education, which has the potential both to regenerate Herefordshire and the Marches, and to provide a template for new specialist HE institutions across the UK."

Mr Norman said: "The Government has put its shoulder to the wheel.

"Now it is up to all of us in Herefordshire, people and communities and businesses, to respond by supporting NMITE, which is already transforming the lives of young people across the county for the better."

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The Minister of State for Education, Michelle Donelan, also said the Government was passionate about driving greater quality and inclusion across higher education, and NMITE could be a significant part of that ambition.

NMITE's president and chief executive Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon said: "This is a fantastic vote of confidence in NMITE and in Herefordshire.

"We are delighted that the Government continues to show its confidence in this pioneering institution. Our aim remains to have the greatest possible positive local and national impact."