A milestone for education across Cheshire has taken place after Cheshire College – made up of the former South and West colleges, including Crewe – and Macclesfield College – formally became one organisation.
The new county-wide college now serves more than 15,000 learners each year, including over 6,000 young people, around 1,500 apprentices and thousands of adult learners.
Supported by approximately 900 staff, with an annual income of almost £80 million, the college covers a geographical area of 750 square miles, making it one of the largest further education colleges in England.
The organisation said it would play a leading role in developing “the skilled workforce needed to support economic growth across the region and beyond”.
The merger follows a public consultation and an extensive period of planning and due diligence.
Operating under the banner of Stronger Together, the new organisation brings together the expertise and heritage of both colleges. By combining specialist curriculum expertise, established employer partnerships and strong industry links, the college said it was well placed to deliver the skills, training and innovation needed to support learners, businesses and local communities.
Working in partnership with more than 1,500 employers across local, regional and national networks, the college will play an even greater role in developing the talent pipeline, addressing skills gaps and supporting economic growth.
The college said learners would benefit from broader curriculum choice, enhanced progression pathways, continued investment in industry-standard facilities and technology, and stronger links with employers and industry partners.
Lesley Davies, chair of the new corporation, said: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our colleges and the communities we serve.
“This merger is the result of many months of careful planning, rigorous due diligence and meaningful consultation, all with one clear objective: creating the best possible future for our learners, staff and employers. “By bringing together the expertise, resources and ambitions of Cheshire College South and West and Macclesfield College, we have created an organisation that is better equipped to respond to evolving skills needs while continuing to deliver exceptional education and training across Cheshire.”
Jasbir Dhesi OBE, the new principal and chief executive, said: “Both colleges have proud histories, strong reputations and a deep commitment to serving their communities. By bringing our organisations together, we are building on those strengths to create even greater opportunities for learners, apprentices, employers and our wider communities.
“This merger enables us to broaden our curriculum, strengthen our partnerships with employers and continue investing in the facilities, expertise and opportunities that help people to succeed. Together, we will play an even greater role in supporting economic growth and meeting the future skills needs of Cheshire and beyond.”
Learners can expect continuity throughout their studies, with the merger designed to enhance opportunities while ensuring a seamless transition.
The colleges formally merged on 1st August. The college has four modern campuses offering industry-leading facilities.
