Devon charity set to benefit from year-long Plymouth college partnership

City College Plymouth has named Dartmoor Zoological Society as its ‘Charity of the Year’ for the 2025/26 academic year.

The partnership will see students and staff at the college raise funds to support the charity through a programme of activities and events over the coming year.

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Dartmoor Zoological Society was formed in 2014 and is responsible for the care and welfare of the animals at Dartmoor Zoo. 

The charity also runs conservation, breeding and research programmes, and relies heavily on ticket sales, donations and public support to fund its work.

City College Plymouth said the partnership reflects a shared focus between the two organisations on education, community involvement and positive local impact.

Chief Executive of City College Plymouth, Jackie Grubb, said the decision closely matched the college’s values.

“Supporting Dartmoor Zoological Society aligns perfectly with our values of community, learning, and making a difference,” she said. 

ABOVE: City College Plymouth and Dartmoor Zoological Society (Image: City College Plymouth)

“At City College Plymouth, we have a proud history of helping charitable organisations, and our students and staff are passionate about contributing to causes that create real and lasting impact.

“We are delighted to work with the Zoo throughout the coming year to support their exceptional work.”

The charity has welcomed the announcement, saying the support will help fund its ongoing conservation work.

Chief Executive of Dartmoor Zoological Society, David Gibson, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the students and staff of City College Plymouth chose Dartmoor Zoological Society as their charity of the year.

“With so many other deserving charities that they could have chosen, we are honoured that they chose us. The funds they raise on our behalf will be a tremendous help in delivering the vital conservation work we do here at Dartmoor Zoo.”

Throughout the year, City College Plymouth plans to run a range of fundraising and engagement activities, including student-led projects and college-organised events. 

City college said these initiatives will give students and staff opportunities to support conservation work while contributing to a cause with strong local links to Devon and Dartmoor.

The announcement continues City College Plymouth’s long-standing involvement in community and charitable partnerships across the region.