Uncertainty remains over university's vet teaching

Concerns have been raised over the long-term future of veterinary teaching at the University of Cambridge despite a decision to keep offering it.

The university's general board decided on Monday that it would continue to run veterinary education after the School of the Biological Sciences had recommended ending it by 2032.

The board said it would "develop and evaluate alternative models for the future of veterinary education at Cambridge".

Rosemary Rodd, of Cambridge and District RSPCA, said: "We do have some concerns that it might be a [temporary] reprieve rather than a final pardon because I think the details for what the university is going to propose are going to be very important."

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the National Farmers' Union (NFU) both wrote letters urging for the continuation of the school.

Rob Williams, the president of the BVA, said: "Whilst today's decision is a step in the right direction, it's essential the university commits to ensuring the school is appropriately resourced to preserve its vital role at the forefront of global health and scientific leadership, now and in the future."

Staff and prospective students were told about the proposal in December.

The university said that "having heard the strength of feeling", it would continue to offer veterinary education and the closure would not happen.

Robert Law, the NFU Hertfordshire chair, who farms in Royston, said: "The University of Cambridge really is a leader in this sector so, hopefully now, this decision has been made, this will continue to be the case for many years to come."

It would continue to admit students on to the course, with offer letters to be sent "imminently" for students due to start the course this autumn.

But the general board said it recognised that the "biological sciences [school] cannot be solely responsible for the future of veterinary education".

Rodd said the RSPCA branch worked alongside the university, which provided the charity's clinical services, and said it was more affordable than using private care.

"We are waiting to hear the detail of what the implications are going to be for the RSPCA clinic," she said.

A Cambridge University and College Union spokesperson said the decision would "be an enormous relief" to staff, students and would "protect the RSPCA clinic".

"We do not yet know how the vet school will look in the long-term, and recognise that this brings its own uncertainty, but hope this is the beginning of a longer process towards security and dignity for staff," they added.

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