Shropshire college forms new federation
A Shropshire college which stopped offering A-levels this year has formed a federation with another college.
North Shropshire College, which has campuses in Oswestry, Walford, Shipley, Bridgnorth and on the Herefordshire border, has formed the federation with Reaseheath College in Nantwich, Cheshire.
Both colleges claim the merger has come in to enable them to offer a "wider and better" educational experience to further and higher education students and apprentices.
It could lead to a merger of the colleges in future, bosses said today.
The principals say the move will also help the local economy by building links with industry and local communities.
A federation was only agreed after extensive research was undertaken by the governing bodies of both colleges.
North Shropshire College principal Jackie Doodson said: "Both colleges are growing and improving and share a long history of delivering quality education.
"It is felt that, by working together to combine resources, expertise and reputation, the colleges will build on their strengths.
"A federation will best secure the future of quality, land based education and general technical and vocational education in Shropshire, Cheshire and the wider region.
"Although both colleges are committed to working together, they say they will remain independent and retain their own names and campuses within the federation.
"With support from the skills funding agency, and where it is considered to be in the best interests of the students, the governing bodies will explore closer ties in the future.
"This could include the possibility of a merger at a later date if the interests and circumstances of both colleges are in alignment."
The new partnership is supported by the department for business, innovation and skills' area review of post 16 education, which wants to see fewer and larger colleges.
Mrs Doodson said: "A partnership with Reaseheath College will best secure the long term future of high quality land based provision for Shropshire along with high quality vocational education and training for Oswestry and rural North Shropshire.
"We will share best practice to improve the quality of provision and facilities, and our strengthened financial sustainability will help us grow the number and range of courses we offer."
Reaseheath principal Meredydd David added: "There are great benefits to two institutions with similar values, ambitious vision and national reputation for quality, working together.
"This can only benefit stakeholders, staff and students and offers an extremely exciting prospect for the region."
Earlier this year Mrs Doodson said jobs will go after the college ditched A-level exams to concentrate on the expansion of vocational courses.
