Government backs merger between Walsall College and South Staffordshire College

The move is likely to impact on jobs, courses and campuses at both sites.

As reported by the Express & Star in July, the merger has been on the cards for some time.

A Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership report made reference to 'merger opportunities' although both colleges initially played down the idea by stating they were both 'exploring the possibility of forming a closer relationship'.

But now the Department for Education (DfE) has published its final 'area review' for Staffordshire recommending the two organisations become one college.

It states: "South Staffordshire College to merge with Walsall College to form a single college.

"Walsall College is based approximately 10 miles south of Cannock and nine miles to the south west of Lichfield.

"The catchments of the two colleges are adjacent. Detailed feasibility work will be completed, but governors see potential for rationalising back-office and other services, undertaking a full review of the curriculum to eliminate duplication between sites, and reviewing the combined estate."

The report adds that South Staffordshire College, which had to make £2 million of cuts last year, would benefit from the 'financial strength' of its Walsall counter-part stating the merger would create a college with a combined £59m turnover.

Both colleges remained tight-lipped on the merger despite the latest development.

A spokeswoman on behalf of the two organisations simply said 'discussions are still ongoing'.

South Staffordshire College, which incorporates Cannock, Lichfield, Tamworth and Rodbaston colleges, was last rated Good overall by Ofsted but it is hoped the move would improve it further with Walsall College last declared Outstanding by the same watchdog. This week it was also announced Walsall College was rated as third best in the country by publication FE Week. The DfE has stated the merger will help address concerns over the need for extra provision for students with learning difficulties, raised by Staffordshire County Council.

Ben Adams, the council's learning and skills boss, said: "The focus of this review has been to ensure colleges have financial stability, whilst also ensuring that students have access to the best education and can make informed choices about whether their future is best served by pursuing an academic path or a vocational one.

"More can still be done, but as a result of this review I think college provision in the county will quickly become stronger and better able to face the future."

He added: "The Area Review was initiated by the Departments for Education and for Business, because of general concerns about the financial sustainability of the post-16 sector and whether the curriculum on offer meets the skills needs of local economies – this applies to sixth forms too, not just colleges.

"The shape of post-16 education is changing. The introduction of the apprenticeship levy, to be paid by our largest employers next year, is significant and is sure to further accelerate change in skills training.

"There is an increasing recognition of the need for even more apprenticeships and an increasing interest by universities in providing vocational qualifications and degree level apprenticeships."