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Scotland's national Roman Catholic college of education, St Andrew's, has joined forces with Glasgow University to set up the Glasgow School of Education.

The agreement builds on existing collaboration with the college and the university's departments of education and adult and continuing education. It aims to offer the chance of closer links with industry and the community as well as increased access to part-time degrees and diplomas.

The school will develop a new bachelor of theology degree, run jointly by the university's divinity faculty and the college's department of religious education, and is preparing a new postgraduate qualification in leadership in education as well as developing MEd courses in areas such as management, learning support and equal opportunities.

It also aims to provide increased support for educational professionals dealing with the Higher Still programme, which will unite academic and vocational courses for post-16 year olds.

Bart McGettrick, principal of St Andrew's College, said: "We have drawn on the expertise and professionalism of both institutions to strengthen the way in which we provide our services."