Lynne Sedgmore CBE, executive director of the 157 Group, said the inclusion of the college, which is one of the largest in England, will bolster the association’s representation in Merseyside and the north-west.

“Having established an excellent reputation for its strong community focus over the years, the college is working closely with employers to help students develop the skills that local businesses need, and increase the city's prosperity,” said Sedgmore.

“A college with so great a regional influence will surely make an important and valuable contribution to national policymaking, and we look forward to working with [principal] Elaine Bowker and her team.”

Members of the 157 Group, which was formed in 2006 in response to a call in Sir Andrew Foster's report for principals of large successful colleges to play a greater role in policymaking, range from Sunderland College in the north-east to Cornwall College in the south-west.

Natalie Thornhill