North Shropshire, Herefordshire and Ludlow colleges merger 'best for students'
A merger between two colleges in north and south Shropshire will be best for students, its new principal insisted today.
North Shropshire College is joining forces with Herefordshire and Ludlow College, to create a new body catering for around 11,000 students.
The move, being outlined in a report being released today, is likely to lead to job losses at management level.
But principal Ian Clinton insisted the move was necessary to ensure further education remains available.
The merger follows a trend that is seeing colleges join forces as resources become tight.
North Shropshire College had initially planned to merge with Reaseheath College, but that deal fell through.
The new deal also comes as Telford College of Arts and Technology joins forces with New College in Telford.
North Shropshire College has a number of sites, including Oswestry, Walford and Shipley. Herefordshire and Ludlow College is based in Ludlow and Hereford.
Mr Clinton today wrote an open letter to the Shropshire Star, promising major investment and adding: “This offers opportunities to focus resources on ensuring students and apprentices get the best deal.”
