College merger approved (From Gazette)

College merger approved

4:19pm Monday 21st December 2009

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TWO colleges will merge after getting government approval.

Colchester Institute and Braintree College will join forces on January 1 after the proposals were approved by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Braintree College first announced it was considering a merger in April last year following a review by consultants KPMG into options for its future.

Colchester Institute was confirmed as the chosen partner that July and it had been originally hoped the merger would have taken place this summer.

Jim Addison, interim principal at Braintree College, said: ‘‘We are delighted the merger is going ahead and believe it will ensure the long term success and sustainability of further education in the area.’’ Danny Clough, principal and chief executive of Colchester Institute, said: ‘‘We are both pleased and relieved to hear this news.

"We believe the merger will enhance the long-term further education provision and training opportunities in the Braintree area and north Essex generally, serving the needs of learners and employers.

"We will ensure that the college provision remains at the heart of the community.’’ David Priest, chairman of the corporation board said the merger "will create a dynamic enterprise for our current and future students.’’ The new-look Braintree College will offer only vocational courses with no new A-levels provided from September 2010.

It is hoped cash can be invested in courses such as catering, hairdressing and plumbing to meet the demand from learners and businesses.

The college - Braintree’s second largest employer - will be known as The College at Braintree.

Colchester Institute, the county's largest vocational college, already has bases in Clacton and Dovercourt alongside the main campus in Sheepen Road, Colchester.

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