Shropshire colleges to decide over merger idea

The suggestion has come from New College in Telford (NCT) and would see it merge with Shrewsbury College – although the idea has progressed no further than proposal stage.

Union representatives have criticised the move, claiming they have been kept in the dark, although the principals of both colleges dispute the claims.

Fiona O'Brien, principal of New College, and Steve Wain, principal of Shrewsbury College, said the idea had been prompted by a government plan to conduct an "area review" of colleges.

Both colleges were already in discussions over plans to form a federation, which would also include Shrewsbury Sixth Form College. Although the sixth form college is not part of the merger discussions, they will continue to investigate federation.

In a joint statement the principals said: "The Area Review process seeks to ensure that in the future colleges are financially sustainable and we have to bear that in mind and ensure that our final group structure safeguards the future of post-16 education in this area – this is something that all colleges, nationwide, are now having to consider."

Paul Morris, the National Union of Teachers representative at New College, said the news had come as a shock to some staff and raised concerns over the impact on jobs and courses.

He said: "The news of a merger has come as something as a surprise since we have been told consistently that the three colleges would retain their own governance and management.

"Potential students and their parents will want to know soon which courses will be available and at which sites.

"In addition, both teaching and support staff are anxious to hear what might be proposed about their terms and conditions going forward."

The college principals said that the unions had been advised of developments and that a full consultation will take place if the merger proposal is to be pursued.

They also insisted any discussions will not impact on students signing up to start in September next year.

They said: "Our staff have been kept informed throughout and know that if, after necessary discussions and due diligence work have been concluded, that a merger was seen as a desired outcome, then a proposal would be produced and full consultation would ensue.

"This initial work is under way and our staff colleagues will be the first to know what proposals will be forthcoming at the time when that is known."