Stockport College owner enters merger talks with Cheadle and Marple colleges

The Cheadle and Marple College Network and Trafford College Group (TCG), which absorbed Stockport College last year, have announced they are in talks regarding a potential merger.

The merger would create a single college group with sites in Stretford, Altrincham, Stockport, Cheadle and Marple. Half of apprentices at The Cheadle and Marple College Networks already transferred to TCG in June. The two colleges have released a joint statement indicating they could merge by summer next year.

Chairman of governors at TCG, Graham Luccock, said:

“Through our initial discussions it is clear that we share man of the same values and beliefs and culture which will enable us to continue to deliver the high standards of education that both college groups are proud of.”

Chairman of governors at The Cheadle and Marple College Network Alison Hewitt said:

“Our proximity to Trafford as well as the complementary provision seen across the two groups means a potential merger would be extremely beneficial to students across the borough of Stockport, as well as providing a more robust educational institution that will be able to serve the community for many years to come.”

The announcement of merger talks comes following a report from the Further Education Commissioner which described the finances of The Cheadle and Marple College Network as ‘terminal’ and indicated the college was unlikely to be able to continue running alone.

TCG absorbed Stockport College last year, a move involving a £30 million bailout from the Department of Education, and has already begun improving achievement rates of students.