College merger move unveiled

THE Cheadle and Marple College Network and The Trafford College Group (TCG) - which subsumed Stockport College last year - are working on a potential merger.

In a joint statement, the colleges said the move, which could happen by next summer, aimed at providing a ‘single, improved educational offer that will better serve the students and community of the borough of Stockport.’

The merger would create a single college group from the existing sites in Stockport, Cheadle, Marple, Stretford and Altrincham.

Alison Hewitt, the chairman of governors at The Cheadle and Marple College Network, said: “Our proximity to The Trafford College Group as well as the complementary provision seen across the two groups means that 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.”

Graham Luccock, chairman of governors at the TCG, said: “Through our initial discussions it is clear that we share many of the same values, beliefs and culture which will enable us to continue to deliver the high standards of education that both college groups are proud of.”

However, the National Education Union said it was “a worrying time for staff of Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College” amid ongoing concerns over 16-19 ‘underfunding’.

In a statement, the NEU said: “Our pay negotiations for the teachers at the sixth form college are that we are seeking at least an increase which matches the 2.75pc pay award for school teachers and makes good the 0.5pc shortfall last year. We have been offered only 1.5pc.

“There is no information about possible redundancies or guarantees that jobs are safe in the long term. The staff will expect pay, terms, conditions and pensions to remain subject to national sixth form college agreements and pay rises for sixth form colleges to be maintained. They want guarantees that there will be no asset stripping. Staff want guarantees from the Trafford Group that terms and conditions will be maintained so high quality teaching can continue.”

Martyn Moss, regional official of the University and College Union, speaking in respect of the TCG, said: “Our priority will be seeking assurances on behalf of staff that any proposal would not erode job security or working conditions.

“We will also be pushing for full consultation with all key stakeholders.”