Loughborough College and SMB College Group are proposing a merger, following the latter’s financial trouble.
The two colleges are currently in a consultation period, whereby they are working closely with key stakeholders to ensure the new offering meets the needs of the region and shapes professional futures through the development of skills.
Corrie Harris, Principal and CEO at Loughborough College, said: “This partnership represents a highly exciting proposition, promising significant benefits and opportunities for students, staff, and employers throughout Leicestershire.
“We hope that it will be transformational, by delivering greater economic prosperity and by offering a larger number of students from across our region an outstanding experience.”
Dawn Whitemore, Principal and Chief Executive of SMB College Group, said: “This strategic partnership marks an exciting step forward for both our colleges as we combine our strengths to enhance educational opportunities for our students and community.
“We are pleased to be working with a partner with the same values and passion as SMB College Group.”
Following the consultation period, both organisations will create a joint merger steering group of governors to oversee the proposal and perform due diligence, with an anticipated merger date of 1st August 2025. Final approval also needs to be secured from the Education and Skills Funding Agency and Department for Education.
This proposed merger will strengthen the current growth plans for both colleges. These include more than £35m investment in significant projects such as the East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT) and the Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College in addition to £20m investment in the brand-new Land-based and Agri-tech centre at SMB College Group’s Brooksby campus.
