Isle Of Wight College Strengthens Historic Ties With German Twinning Town Coburg

The Isle of Wight College has welcomed senior representatives from Staatliches Berufliches Schulzentrum I Coburg in Germany, in a visit celebrating more than 40 years of friendship and cultural exchange between the two communities.

The long-standing link between the Isle of Wight and Coburg dates back to royal connections between Prince Albert — who was born in Coburg — and Queen Victoria, who made Osborne House her family home.

This relationship led to the official twinning of the Island and Coburg in 1983.

During the visit, Principal Anja Golle and colleague Kai Fürst spent a full day at the college, taking part in a programme of activities including a campus tour and a visit to the CECAMM.

They also met with senior college staff over lunch and attended a reception with representatives from the Coburg Twinning Association and Isle of Wight Council, where a framed image of Osborne House was presented as a symbol of the enduring connection between the two areas.

The visit provided an opportunity to discuss shared approaches to vocational education and explore future exchange opportunities, with the college looking forward to welcoming students from Coburg in July.

Fidelma Washington, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO at the college, said it was a pleasure to host the visitors and showcase the Island’s talent and community spirit.

She added that cross-cultural exchanges enrich both staff and learners, and said the college looks forward to strengthening its international links in the years ahead.

The college says it remains committed to building on the long-standing partnership, celebrating shared learning and continued collaboration between the Isle of Wight and Coburg.