A public consultation has been launched today (1 Sept 2016) to gather views and opinions on the proposed merger of four colleges to create a new FE College for Cheshire and Warrington.
The consultation focuses on Phase 1 of the proposed merger between South Cheshire College and West Cheshire College into a new FE college by January 2017. The consultation also includes a proposal for a change of name to The Cheshire College.
Christine Russell, Chair of Governors at West Cheshire College, says: “We have a very clear vision of what we want to achieve with the merger; but we also want to understand the views and opinions of students, employers, parents/guardians, employers and the wider community to ensure we meet their needs and expectations.”
Dame Pat Bacon, Chair of the Corporation at South Cheshire College, adds: “The merger will create a stronger organisation delivering high quality outcomes for learners and employers and provide a strong delivery partner for LEP priorities for the region.”
The consultation period runs from 1st September until 1st October 2016.
A copy of the consultation document on the proposed merger and change of name is available free of charge and can be found at www.cheshirecollege.com.
Alternatively, a copy of the consultation document can be requested by emailing [email protected] or [email protected] or in writing to: The Clerk of the Corporation, West Cheshire College, Off Sutton Way, Ellesmere Port CH65 7BF or The Clerk of the Corporation, South Cheshire College, Dane Bank Avenue, Crewe Cheshire CW2 8AB.
A summary of the consultation and its outcome will be published within two months after the end of the consultation period.
It is proposed that the creation of a new FE College for Cheshire and Warrington, will be a phased approach starting with the merger of South Cheshire College and West Cheshire College by January 2017 (Phase 1). Followed by Mid Cheshire College by August 2017 and Warrington Collegiate by January 2018 (Phase 2).
The new FE College for Cheshire and Warrington has the full support of all four Colleges, as well as local authorities and the Local Enterprise Partnership.
