Planning permission approved for new College on the Coast in Leiston

Thursday, 23 July 2026 10:00

A new permanent post-16 college is set to be built in Leiston after planning permission was approved for the College on the Coast.

The college is being developed in partnership with Suffolk New College and is designed to provide technical and vocational education, apprenticeships and skills training for local people.

The facility will accommodate up to 150 students and is expected to offer training linked to careers including engineering, digital, business and logistics.

Supporters say the college will help remove some of the barriers faced by people wanting to continue their education and training, particularly the time and cost involved in travelling further afield.

Sizewell C CEO Nigel Cann said the development would create opportunities for people in the area to gain new skills and pursue careers locally.

Leiston-cum-Sizewell Mayor Cllr Nicky Corbett said the college could provide a launchpad for young people while also supporting adults looking to upskill or retrain for careers in construction and at the Sizewell C power station once it is operational.

The project is being promoted as a long-term investment in local skills and education, with the aim of creating new pathways into skilled employment for current and future generations.