College taking Hart with new brand as it sets out a five-year plan to win ‘outstanding’ success in North Herts

An eye-catching new logo is the most arresting part of a rebrand announced this week by North Hertfordshire College.

But new chief executive Matt Hamnett says his ambitious strategy to ‘join the dots’ for students and local businesses is the real headline.

The college, which has bases in Stevenage, Hitchin and Letchworth and also oversees three secondary schools, has set a target to be rated as ‘outstanding’ by inspectors before the end of the decade and to deliver improved results every year.

And there’s an expectation that the group will take other primary and secondary schools under its wing over the next five years.

The strategy includes the formation of the Hart Learning Group to oversee the college, the Da Vinci studio schools and the Thomas Alleyne Academy in Stevenage, as well as a new venture which will aim to work closely with businesses and help them invest in emerging talent.

The new company, Hart Learning & Development, will focus on trainee, apprentice and professional development to help firms grow and improve.

Mr Hamnett said this week: “Everything we do is about delivering outstanding teaching and learning. Good isn’t good enough for us because we don’t believe it is good enough for our customers.

“Whether it’s a pupil in one of our schools, a full-time college student, an adult continuing education a small local business or a large corporate, it’s our job to take their goals as our goals and provide them with the teaching support and advice they need to succeed.

“We love our new brand, and over the course of this year many of our students will be creating new manifestations of the logo to showcase the skills they’re developing. We’ll host an exhibition of their work in the new year.”

The college is also planning a ‘community conversation’ in the coming months to work out how it can play a key role in the life of Stevenage and North Herts, as well as support local charities.

Making greater use of the redeveloped Hitchin campus for outside events is already under way.

Schools which are part of the group will be operated by the Hart Schools Trust, whose chairman Adrian Hawkins said: “The new strategy is about providing outstanding education, understanding employability and working brilliantly with business.

“It’s an ambitious strategy but one we can deliver.”