South Devon College students benefit from strategic partnership with Britannia Royal Naval College  

South Devon College’s Marine Academy has reinforced its position as one of the UK’s leading maritime education and innovation centres through the recent signing of a new Statement of Intent with Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in Dartmouth. 

The agreement formalises a shared commitment to collaborate on maritime education, training, professional development and promotion of careers in the Royal Navy, creating stronger links between academic and military training pathways and supporting the next generation of maritime professionals. 

Located just across the River Dart from each other, the two institutions are ideally placed to work together collaboratively with the option of sharing resources, delivering training solutions in line with the ambitions of the UK’s Defence Strategic Review. 

Becky Sanders, Lecturer in Maritime Studies at South Devon College’s Marine Academy, is clear on the benefits for her students from the Statement of Intent. She said: “As a former Royal Navy professional, I know first hand how crucial practical experience and industry connections are.  

“These partnerships give our students a real advantage, preparing them for the challenges they’ll face at sea, and giving them insights and skills that textbooks alone cannot provide.” 

^{Laurence Frewin, Principal and CEO of South Devon College (far right), with Paul Singer, Business and Qualification Development Coordinator at South Devon College (far left) sign the agreement with Captain Andrew Bray, Commanding Officer of Britannia Royal Naval College}

Under the new agreement, the partnership will continue to build on existing successful activities, including delivering high-quality maritime training programmes and RYA-accredited courses for the BRNC training team. 

The Statement of Intent will also offer annual work experience placements for South Devon College students alongside reciprocal visits, briefings, and familiarisation activities to strengthen mutual understanding of each organisation’s training environments which will, in turn, raise awareness of Royal Navy career opportunities for students. 

Paul Singer, Business and Qualification Development Coordinator at South Devon College, is pleased the collaboration is going from strength to strength: “Our close working relationship with our neighbours across the river has always been excellent. It’s fantastic to see that collaboration now strengthened through a formal long-term agreement that will deliver real benefits for both organisations and the students we support.” 

Laurence Frewin, Principal and CEO of South Devon College, commented: “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and the development of maritime skills that serve both the Royal Navy and the wider sector. Working closely with BRNC allows us to align cutting-edge academic delivery with the operational standards of one of the world’s most respected naval colleges.” 

Captain Andrew Bray, Commanding Officer of Britannia Royal Naval College, added: “On behalf of everyone at Britannia Royal Naval College, I am thrilled to continue our relationship with South Devon College. 

“As two institutions who train and educate people to work in the maritime sector, learning from one another will only make what we both do even better.” 

This renewed partnership underscores South Devon College’s Marine Academy as a national centre of excellence, supporting the growth of UK maritime skills, innovation and defence capability.