Kidderminster College still seeking a partner

KIDDERMINSTER College has re-iterated its interest in a merger with another educational institution.

The idea was first mooted in June.

Following an extensive review of the options, the college’s governors concluded that a merger will bring the most benefits to the college’s learners and staff as well as the local community and employers.

Re-iterating that desire, principal Andy Dobson said: “We have big ambitions as a college, for our learners, for the communities and employers we serve, and for our staff. We have good success rates and sound finances, and could remain independent. Yet the best way of realising our big ambitions is to merge with one or more suitable partners.”

The college has published a document, Proposed Merger – Expressions of Interest, that sets out the criteria against which potential merger partners will be assessed.

Possible partners have until the end of October to submit their proposals, when they will be assessed by the college.

David Cory, chairman of the college’s governors, said: “This is an exciting time for Kidderminster College. We are good at what we do, and merging with the right merger partner, or partners, will help us be even better.”

The assessment criteria includes:
• No compulsory redundancies
• Retention of the Kidderminster College brand and identity
• Commitment to continuing investment in education and training in Kidderminster and Wyre Forest

The college plans to select its preferred partner, or partners, by the end of this year.

A similar merger between Stourbridge College and Birmingham Metropolitan College was agreed at the end of April.