Two major college groups in Greater Manchester have merged to create ‘the biggest education provider in the Stockport area’.
The Trafford College Group has been created through a merger of the Cheadle and Marple College Network and the Trafford College Group on Tuesday May 4.
The much larger group will now provide education to more than 12,000 students across the area and was approved by all the governors from both merging college groups.
The network now includes Cheadle College, Marple Sixth Form College, Stockport College and Trafford College.
Education bosses said they want to ensure each college ‘retains its local identity’ and ‘meets the specific needs of the community’, with the benefit of having education delivered and supported by a larger college group.
James Scott, principal and chief executive of the Trafford College Group, said: “The merger means that we are even more well placed to deliver on our strategic priorities, respond to the opportunities in the recent Skills White Paper and contribute as a key stakeholder to the Stockport and Trafford borough plans, fulfilling our aim of becoming an anchor institution for our local communities as well as the sub-region.
“As we prepare for the end of this academic year, we have ensured that existing students will experience no change to their provision and support. We are also looking forward to the future where we will be providing technical, academic and Higher Education, as well as Apprenticeships and employer training contributing to the social and economic prosperity of the region.”
