Accross and Burnley College to merge

Two major Lancashire colleges have announced a merger, which will come into full effect at the beginning of the 2017/18 academic year.

Accrington and Rossendale College and Burnley College have begun a period of consultation which will conclude on January 12. A report of the findings will be published in February, and formal proceedings will begin in April.

The colleges said the move would create a financially robust, viable, suitable, sustainable and appropriate further and higher education curriculum offer across the local area and provide enhanced opportunities for students and employers.

It is expected that the colleges will combine their senior management structures and departments such as human resources, marketing and payroll. However, both colleges say they will retain their existing names and local identities.

A statement read: "By merging, we will be better placed to engage with employers and ensure that students are ready for the job opportunities of the future.

“Our proposed new college will also combine the best of each college’s heritage in supporting the skills of our communities. For better or worse much has changed in the way in which learners have been funded in recent years and continued change is to be expected. “As a larger, more robust organisation, we will have greater ability to support our learners through this process and ensure they are not marginalised as a result. The new college will serve the local area and we want to ensure that it will meets the needs of all learners, the local community and other valued stakeholders.”