Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 21, 2026

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: 1.      This Council, while noting that it is entirely a matter for the OU, regrets the University's reported decision not to give further consideration to the possibility of a city-centre campus for face-to-face teaching. 2.      The Council requests the Cabinet review any impact this might have on the reinvigoration of CMK; and the implications for city-centre in-person undergraduate education, as referenced in the recent New Towns task force report. 3.      While recognising that projected enrolments nationally will fall sharply after 2030 the Council remains committed to the provision of face-to-face education at Levels 4 and above, having regard to the city's own demographic profile, the increased number of students studying where they live, and the move towards accelerated two year degrees. 4.      The Council notes the existing provision within the city, which includes the Open University, Cranfield University offering degree apprenticeships, Milton Keynes College offering foundation degrees, the University of Buckingham providing the clinical element of its MBBS degree through the University Hospital and the Milton Keynes campus of the University of Bedfordshire. 5.      The Council requests the Cabinet to discuss inviting these universities and college to a conference at which the city's future post-secondary educational provision might be considered.  Representatives of the city's secondary schools might also be invited as well as of the Oxford Cambridge Arc Universities Group, and of the Government.