Carshalton College, Kingston College and South Thames College public consultation on merger launched

Carshalton College, Kingston College and South Thames College have today published a public consultation outlining their proposal to merge on 1 August 2017.
 
The merger will bring together the strengths of all three colleges, enhancing opportunities for current and future students and safeguarding the provision of further education to local businesses and communities across south west London. 
 
A spokesperson for the colleges said: ‘We believe the merger would be a very positive step, as combining the expertise and world-class facilities of all three organisations will make a stronger, more resilient college group. We are interested in the views of our local communities and look forward to hearing what people think.’
 
David Anderson, Chair of Governors for Carshalton College said: ‘This decision reflects the strong partnership work already in place between the three colleges and the resolution of our Governing Bodies to secure on-going improvement and greater financial resilience for the future.’
 
Janis Brumwell, Chair of Governors for Kingston College said: ‘It is our intention to create an exemplary new college, fit for the 21st century and ready to serve the students and businesses of south west London and beyond for decades to come.’
 
Godfrey Allen, Chair of Governors for South Thames College said: ‘This is an exciting opportunity that will build on the strengths of our three colleges.  We can strengthen what we offer in response to local and regional employer needs and the career aspirations of our students.’
 
Should a merger go ahead following consultation, it will cause minimal disruption to current students. The colleges are not changing, they are becoming part of a wider group of colleges which are working together.
 
The public consultation runs until 18 April and all responses must be received by the closing date. Once the consultation closes the colleges will collate all the responses and the outcome of the consultation will be published in June.
 
A copy of the consultation can be viewed here www.ckstmerger.com. The document provides details on why the three colleges wish to merge and how to give feedback on the proposal.