Merger is 'exciting' for Shrewsbury college students
Two colleges have joined forces and formally announced their merger with the creation of the Shrewsbury College Group.
As higher eduction funding tightens and student numbers decrease, Shrewsbury College and Shrewsbury Sixth Form College entered into merger discussions in 2015.
They said the move would help secure high quality education for students aged 16 and over.
It was agreed that merging and forming the new Shrewsbury Colleges Group would take place in 2016 and the process was completed this week.
The merger allows the two colleges to focus on offering a high performing Advanced Level centre for academically motivated students at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College and a leading vocational centre of excellence at Shrewsbury College.
It will lead to an increased focus on the development of apprenticeships.
"This is a very exciting time for Shropshire as we start this new relationship between the two merged colleges," said newly appointed chair of governors, Alison Jackson.
"Rather than co-existing, and in some areas competing, we are now able to work together positively, ensuring we deliver a broader, stronger and more co-ordinated offering to our students, local employers and the community.
"Students will still apply to the individual colleges and feel aligned to one college or the other, but they will benefit from access to the best resources and facilities at both."
A significant change to the management structure will see one principal appointed to oversee the merged group.
The interim post has been taken up by Lyn Surgeon, the previous principal and chief executive of the Nelson and Colne College and South Downs College.
Prior to this Lyn was deputy principal of Pendleton College, a sixth form college that was part of the merger of the three colleges which formed Salford City College in 2009.
"I am delighted to be leading the newly formed Shrewsbury Colleges Group, where we will provide excellent opportunities for all our students, enabling them to fulfil their dreams and aspirations," said Lyn.
The identities of the two colleges will stay the same, but for joint activities the Shrewsbury Colleges Group will also have a new identity and logo.
"An enormous amount of work has gone into this merger and there is still a lot more to come," added Alison Jackson.
"But like the many other colleges around the country which have chosen to take this path, we feel it is a very positive stride forward for the young people of Shropshire and beyond."
