Swindon College and New College Swindon have launched a public consultation, into their proposed merger. During the formal period of public consultation, students from both colleges, parents, staff, local employers, stakeholders and the wider community are invited and encouraged to share their thoughts on the proposal.
The merger would bring together Swindon’s two colleges, with complementary specialisms and strengths, to create a single institution offering comprehensive academic, technical and professional education and training at all levels. The merged college will move to a single “Swindon curriculum” aligned to learners’ aspirations, skills needs and employment opportunities, and be instrumental in tackling local and regional skills shortages and improving opportunities for progression to Higher Education. It will be committed to the development of the new Institute of Technology at the Swindon College North Star campus.
In a joint statement, Rob Beale, Chair of Governors at Swindon College and Charlotte Mannion, Chair of Governing Body at New College Swindon said:
“Our vision for the future of Swindon College and New College is for world class and sustainable further and higher education for our region. Building on our combined strengths and specialisms will create a vibrant, high-performing and sustainable institution, a beacon of academic and technical excellence
with a strong regional presence. We believe that our future lies together and will lead to success that will feed growth and achievement in our local economy, our businesses and our communities.”
The process of due diligence is ongoing and the intention is for the colleges to merge on 31st July 2020.
Students starting or continuing on courses in September 2020 will continue to study and enrol on existing programmes post-merger. The intention is for them to be based on one of the two campuses but with the additional benefit of being able to access resources and facilities on both throughout their studies.
The consultation period runs from 12th March until 16th April 2020. Further details of plans, including benefits for students, staff, employers and communities can be found in the consultation document. This is available online at either www.swindon.ac.uk or www.newcollege.ac.uk. Alternatively, a copy can be requested by emailing merger@swindon.ac.uk or merger@newcollege.ac.uk or by writing to The Clerk to the Corporation at either college as follows:
Swindon College, North Star Avenue, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 1DY
New College Swindon, New College Drive, Swindon SN3 1AH
A joint public consultation event will be held at Swindon College on Thursday 2nd April at 6pm. A summary of the consultation and its outcome will be published on the college websites in May 2020.
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