AN ACCLAIMED college specialising in creative media has announced the closure of its flagship Oxford campus.

SAE Institute confirmed yesterday that it will shut its school in Littlemore in 2020 due to dwindling demand from students.

The college is located in Littlemore Park and is group's global headquarters, described on its website as 'the heart of our creative media education network.'

SAE Institute has almost 50 campuses worldwide and claims to be the 'world's largest creative media school', with degree courses and short courses in subjects such as audio, film, games and animation.

There are currently 90 students enrolled in programmes there and they will be able to complete their courses, as can those due to start courses in September.

SAE said there was 'no immediate impact' for the 15 campus staff members and it is supporting each with a 'personal retention and future career plan'.

A statement said decision to close in Oxford was 'regretful' and came following a 'strategic review of UK operations'.

SAE Institute UK's general manager Olivia McLaughlin said: "While there is significant potential to grow our operations across the UK, demand for programmes at our Oxford campus is not strong enough to warrant the further investment needed to ensure we maintain the best student experiences and outcomes

“We have made the decision to focus that investment on campuses that have the strongest potential for growth. We will also continue to explore new areas for investment across the region and to work with school and college partners.”

“Our focus now is on continuing to deliver the best possible experiences and outcomes for our students, while working with them to ensure successful completion of their studies."

Ms McLaughlin said that while disappointed to close the Oxford campus, SAE Institute was 'excited' by the prospect of growth in creative media education across the UK and globally.

She added: “We are fully committed to the UK market and are focused on how we can improve our student offering at our campuses across the UK.

“Globally, SAE Institute offers accredited creative media programmes at almost 50 campuses in more than 20 countries.

"We will continue to invest in those campuses with strong demand for these programmes.”

The college's European head office will continue to be based in Oxford.