Activate Learning is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with The Open University (OU).
The new partnership, which was formally approved in December 2025 has already resulted in the university validating Activate Learning’s Higher Education (HE) provision delivered at Merrist Wood College and University Centre, with new students due to start in September 2026.
Validation is a key part of higher education quality assurance, providing independent oversight of academic standards and ensuring programmes meet robust requirements.
The partnership has been developed around a shared commitment to widening participation, creating high-quality, inclusive routes into higher-level study, and supporting learners to succeed, regardless of their background or previous experience of education.
The Open University’s mission is “to be open to people, places, methods and ideas”, with widening access and student success at the heart of its approach.
The HE courses that will now be validated by the Open University will include Activate Learning’s Foundation Degree and BSc top-up in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, the Foundation Degree and BSc top-up in Wildlife and Conservation, and the Foundation Degree and BSc top-up in Zoo Management.
A collaboration built on shared values
The new working relationship also reflects the OU’s broader strategic focus of working with partners across the education system. Described by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dave Phoenix, as a renewed emphasis on being a “university without walls”, the work with Activate Learning allows them to build presence through collaboration rather than traditional campus expansion.
Through this partnership, learners studying HE programmes at Merrist Wood College and University Centre will benefit from a strengthened academic framework and continued focus on progression—whether into skilled employment or further study.
Gary Headland DL, Chief Executive Officer of Activate Learning and proud alumnus of the Open University Business School, said the announcement marked an important step for higher education at Merrist Wood.
He added: “The Open University is nationally recognised for its commitment to widening participation and learner success, and we see a clear alignment in our ambitions to open up opportunity through flexible, high-quality education.
“This validation partnership will help us continue to build an HE offer that is rooted in our specialist strengths, responsive to employers and local communities, and designed to support every student to achieve their goals.
“As Surrey’s only land-based college, Merrist Wood plays a special role in meeting the skills needs of Surrey’s agricultural, environmental and sustainability sectors. Together with The Open University, we look forward to delivering and growing this provision, extending its reach and impact for learners and employers across the region and beyond.”
Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor, The Open University, said: “I am delighted to support the new partnership between The Open University and Activate Learning.
“This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to widening participation, strengthening educational pathways, and ensuring that learners are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
“Activate Learning’s strong record of innovative, learner-centred education aligns closely with our mission to transform lives through knowledge, opportunity, and inclusive practice. By working together, we will create clearer progression routes and broaden access to high-quality higher education.”
A partnership built on access, quality and progression
Activate Learning’s HE provision at Merrist Wood is designed to support learners to take the next step, building higher-level skills and confidence through applied learning in a supportive environment.
Bill Hunt, Group Director of Higher Education at Activate Learning, said: “This partnership is about more than a validation arrangement, it’s about shared values and purpose and we look forward to working collaboratively with the OU to develop more opportunities for students to access, succeed and progress in higher education”
“Merrist Wood has a strong reputation for specialist education and progression, and we want our higher education learners to benefit from a quality framework that supports excellent teaching, a strong student experience and clear routes into work or further study”.
“The Open University shares our focus on widening participation, and together we can broaden opportunity for learners who may not see traditional university routes as right for them.”
Further information about validated programmes, admissions and student information for Merrist Wood College and University Centre can be found HERE