Stockport College and Trafford College have announced their intention to merge in order to create a single, larger and more sustainable college that is better able to meet the current and future needs of students, employers and the local community.
Both colleges will retain their existing campuses, names and identities.
The merger will create a significant educational provider in South Manchester, supporting the success of over 14,000 students and apprentices, 700 staff and with a combined turnover of around £37million.
Both Colleges bring strengths and assets to the partnership. The new combined college will build upon the educational character and values of Stockport College and Trafford College with the intention to develop a strengthened provision of Further and Higher Education in both Boroughs and beyond.
The merger will improve educational opportunities by raising the quality and relevance of provision, and will increase opportunities for student progression by developing existing and new specialisms through sharing best practice between staff.
Louise Richardson, Chair of Stockport College’s Board of Governors, said: “We are all very excited to be at this stage of the merger process. Throughout, both corporations have been concerned with ensuring that we are able to continue to provide our respective local communities with access to high quality further education. This merger will enable us to continue to do so for many years.”
Graham Luccock, Chair of Trafford College’s Board of Governors, said: “Through this merger we will be in an excellent position to achieve our shared vision of maintaining high quality and wide-ranging Further Education in Trafford, Stockport, and beyond. The educational ethos between the two colleges is very strong, with shared values and ambition, and I am confident of a successful future for the newly-merged organisation.”
