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Communications ManagerMichelle LouthT: 01452 563216E: michelle.louth@gloscol.ac.uk
Governors at the Royal Forest of Dean College and Gloucestershire College have agreed to commence merger talks to create the largest further education college in Gloucestershire.
Gloucestershire College was approached by representatives of the Royal Forest of Dean College in May of this year following public sector funding cuts which mean that many small rural colleges are no longer financially viable.
To secure long term vocational education in the Forest, the college needed to secure a merger with a financially strong partner. Gloucestershire College is in the fortunate position of being financially sound with a new estate and growing student numbers.
The two colleges will complement each other; both are general further education colleges with excellent vocational and academic provision, both rated by Ofsted as “Good” colleges with a number of “Outstanding” features.
Greg Smith, Principal of Gloucestershire College said; “The merger will offer significant benefits to the citizens of the Forest. The greater resources of Gloucestershire College will allow the merged college to tackle skills gaps in the Forest of Dean more effectively and to widen opportunities for both learners and employers in the Forest of Dean.”
The merger is unlikely to be completed before early to mid 2011, following a significant consultation period and approval from the Secretary of State.