Heythrop and St Mary's consider forming 'strategic partnership'

Heythrop College

Heythrop College, London University and St Mary's University, Twickenham are discussing the possibility of forming a 'strategic partnership', it was announced today. Fr Michael Holman SJ, Principal of Heythrop issued the following statement this afternoon

The world of higher education in England is undergoing many changes as the government introduces a more competitive free-market. Heythrop is investigating how it can sustain and develop its important mission in this changing environment by exploring options both within and outside the University of London.

The governing bodies of Heythrop College and St Mary’s University have agreed to consider the feasibility of forming a strategic partnership. Heythrop College is also continuing to examine opportunities within the University of London.

Heythrop and St Mary’s have much in common – they share a strong Catholic tradition, identity and ethos and are both London based. They have a long and rich history of serving the Church and wider society, at home and abroad, and over the years have collaborated on a number of projects.

If they agree to proceed with a partnership in the interests of both institutions, these changes would come about through careful negotiations which would take time to implement. This would allow for a period of transition for all involved. Whatever the outcome of its discussions with St Mary’s, Heythrop will of course fulfil existing commitments to present and incoming students working towards University of London degrees.

Heythrop’s governing body will consider these matters again in the autumn when further details will be provided.

In a statement St Mary's Vice-Chancellor, Dr Arthur Naylor said: Heythrop College, University of London and St Mary University, Twickenham have entered discussions about a possible strategic partnership.

St Mary's and Heythrop College have a good relationship based on past collaboration and a shared identity as Catholic academic institutions in London. Together they have more than 500 years of history in higher education.

The potential partnership was discussed at a meeting of the St Mary's Board of Governors on 3rd July. The Governors voted that St Mary's should now begin detailed talks regarding a future partnership with Heythrop.

Both institutions have agreed to examine the issues involved in a partnership in full over the coming weeks. Following these internal processes, a report will be delivered to the respective governing bodies who will examine the proposal in detail at meetings in September 2014.

St Mary's University and Heythrop College are clear that any partnership must be to the benefit of both institutions and for the greater good of Catholic higher education in the UK.

Further details will be provided once a decision has been made.