Walford and North Shropshire College in merger talks

A north Shropshire college could merge with another across the border in a bid to safeguard its future, it was revealed today.

Walford and North Shropshire College and Nantwich-based Reaseheath College are currently exploring the potential benefits of a possible merger.

College bosses say a merged institution will have the potential to provide a better educational experience for all current and future students, as well as positively impacting on the local economies of both counties.

The governors of both colleges met independently on Thursday and agreed to proceed to the formal feasibility stage in the merger process.

This will allow consultation with all students, staff, stakeholders, businesses, funders and communities to take place to help both boards of governors decide whether to go ahead with a formal merger submission to the Skills Funding Agency.

Andrew Tyley, principal and chief executive of Walford and North Shropshire College, said: "In the current economic climate colleges have a more important role than ever in supporting young people, local businesses and those seeking employment.

"By joining forces we can focus our combined efforts on maintaining and building local education and training services of the highest standard."

Reaseheath College principal, Meredydd (CORR) David, added: "This fantastic opportunity will allow both colleges to move forward and to respond together to the challenges facing the further education sector.

"Across the country all colleges are tasked with doing more with less.

"Our learners are at the heart of all we do and this process will confirm whether this is the right course of action to enable us both to continue to provide outstanding opportunities and experiences that will open doors to progression into employment or onto higher education."

The merger is also expected to provide more opportunities for both colleges to benefit from the provision offered by each other and to extend the range of the curriculum at the three main sites.

The feasibility stage is expected to be completed by May with a formal submission to the Skills Funding Agency implemented by April next year.

Walford and North Shropshire College has campuses in Walford and Oswestry.