Swindon College and New College Swindon have published the report on the findings of a public consultation on their proposed merger. The consultation ran from 12th March to 16th April, with an online event held on 2nd April.
The consultation generated 100 responses from stakeholders, including: students, staff and parents from both Colleges, universities, local employers, stakeholders and the wider community.
Over 85% respondents supported the aims of the new combined college, which are to: widen the range of opportunities for students and to expand employer-focused provision and services; offer a responsive curriculum and further enhance the quality of teaching and expand Higher Education provision to ensure that more students and employers can benefit from improved knowledge and skills.
Fewer than one in five respondents did not agree that the proposed merger of the two colleges provides the best solution and best future provision of further education for Swindon.
In a joint statement, Rob Beale, Chair of Governors at Swindon College and Charlotte Mannion, Chair of Governing Body at New College Swindon said: “We are delighted that the public consultation generated so much interest from amongst our communities and stakeholders. The feedback demonstrates a positive endorsement from our stakeholders, with the majority showing strong support for our merger proposal and our vision for a future for world-class and sustainable Further and Higher Education for our region.
"With this endorsement and by building on our combined strengths, we will create a high-performing and sustainable institution, delivering high quality teaching, learning and skills training for everyone.”
The full report on the consultation can be found online at either www.swindon.ac.uk or www.newcollege.ac.uk. The date for the proposed merger is 31st July 2020.
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