TWO of Armidale’s academic institutions have formally agreed to work together on a range of areas of mutual benefit, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The Armidale School and University of New England.

The Memorandum, that will be in force for two years initially, will see UNE provide practical support for TAS academic programs particularly in Agriculture and Business Entrepreneurship; professional development opportunities for teaching and administration staff, and innovation in education through the use of Artificial Intelligence.

For the University, the agreement will profile UNE to senior TAS students as an institution of choice for academic and residential life, provide work experience and research opportunities at TAS for UNE students in teaching, nursing, sports science and psychology as part of their degree requirements, and also promote employment opportunities at TAS for UNE students particularly in academic, co-curricular and boarding support roles.

A number of other areas include sharing knowledge in the field of education and related research; support for Indigenous students of both TAS and UNE through the Oorala Aboriginal Centre; promoting Armidale as an educational centre of excellence across regional and metropolitan markets; and sharing facilities and logistics for events.

TAS principal Ray Pearson said the partnership is grounded firmly in a shared regional context and mutual desire to contribute positively to Armidale and the wider New England North West region.

TAS Principal Ray Pearson and UNE Vice Chancellor Professor Chris Moran have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to bolster regional education outcomes for secondary and tertiary students (Image: Simon Scott).

“UNE’s Strategic Plan clearly articulates its commitment as Australia’s first regional university, focused on expanding access to education, supporting individuals and communities to thrive, and strengthening regional outcomes through collaboration and innovation,” Mr Pearson said.

“These priorities strongly align with TAS’s role as a proudly regional boarding and day school, committed to providing accessible education that serves both individuals and the communities they come from.”

UNE Vice Chancellor Professor Chris Moran said the partnership was a logical collaboration that strengthened secondary and tertiary education in a vibrant regional centre.

“Strong regional education systems depend on schools and universities working together in practical ways,” Professor Moran said.

“This agreement creates clearer pathways for students, expands access to real-world learning experiences, and helps develop the skills our communities and industries need into the future.

“Formalising our relationship with TAS means we can fill gaps neither institution could address alone, such as supporting Indigenous students through Oorala or to giving our nursing, teaching and psychology students hands-on experience in a school setting.

“This MOU positions UNE not only as a place of learning but as an active partner in regional life,” he said.

The agreement will be officially launched at Booloominbah, UNE on Tuesday, May 26, from 4pm-6pm.