Filton and Stroud colleges complete merger (From Gazette Series)

Filton and Stroud colleges complete merger to become South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

2:30pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Gloucestershire news By Alexandra Womack

A NEW era in education is underway in the region following the merger of two colleges.

Filton and Stroud colleges officially merged to become South Gloucestershire and Stroud College today.

Principal and chief executive Kevin Hamblin, who has been in charge of Filton College for the past 10 years, said the move would help protect further education in the region.

He said: "Both Filton and Stroud colleges were extremely successful independently, but as a merged institution we can secure a sustainable future that can weather the turbulence of the national environment over the coming years.

"South Gloucestershire and Stroud College has the ability to meet the needs of all our learners and employers through the pooling of our resources, expertise and aspirations.

"The merger is the union of two like-minded organisations with compatible cultures, harmonised vision and equally high standards of learner success."

Both colleges will remain at their existing sites but the merger could mean the creation of a new campus in the Dursley area. Stroud College currently has a campus at Drake House in Dursley and those involved with the project have said this could be expanded and the feasibility of a new centre in the area will be looked at.

Staff at the colleges marked the merger with a series of celebrations. At Stroud College, staff and students said a fond farewell to retiring principal Beri Hare, who has played a pivotal role in transforming the college and last year received an OBE for her services to education.