Students, Communities and Businesses to Benefit from Potential College Merger
17 May 2011
Leek College
We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring Leek College into the University of Derby 'family'...
”Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby
Leek College and Buxton College (University of Derby) are exploring the potential benefits for their students, industry partners and local communities, of a possible merger.
Both organisations are starting the merger process from a position of continuous growth and improvement. A merged institution will immediately provide a wider range of further education opportunities to the communities in the Staffordshire Moorlands and Peak District, as well as positively impacting on the local economies of both counties.
The Governors of Leek College met on 12 May and agreed to proceed to the formal feasibility stage in the merger process. This allows for vital consultations with all students, staff, stakeholders, businesses, funders and communities before putting a formal merger submission to the Skills Funding Agency.
The merger would positively affect the student experience and the quality of provision at both FE delivery sites. The resulting investment capacity would deliver increased value and drive new opportunities for all students; a merged College would have a level of financial strength to be able to invest more extensively in course development, the estates, the learning environment and new technology.
The College and University see the potential benefits of combining resources, expertise and reputations as well as paving the way for an increase in recruitment across all areas of the curriculum, including Higher Education, through such a venture.
Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said "We are delighted to have the opportunity to bring Leek College into the University of Derby 'family' and extend opportunities to learners by combining the expertise of Leek College with Buxton College. We are committed to ensuring high quality provision and to maintaining the sense of identity of Leek College. We have much in common in our current configurations and new opportunities to explore together."
Rob Morrey, Principal of Leek College, commented: "This is a great opportunity for the development of Leek College. The provision at Leek and Buxton is complementary with specialist expertise and resources at each campus which all of our students will be able to benefit from. This combination backed by the University of Derby is a tremendous boost for education in the Moorlands."
Both institutions have a strong history in education and this will be enhanced through a merger. It will build capacity and excellence by developing the existing and complementary provision, and pulling together the expertise and specialisms of both organisations. There will also be opportunities for both organisations to benefit from the provision offered by each other and to extend the range of the curriculum at each site.
For further information please contact Deputy Head of Corporate Relations Simon Redfern on 01332 591942 or email: s.redfern@derby.ac.uk.
