In May last year, it was announced by Brooksby Melton College in Melton Mowbray and Stephenson College in Coalville, that both education providers had agreed to merge with a vision for providing even greater support to learners across Leicestershire and beyond.
After a competitive Structure and Prospects Appraisal, followed by a rigorous Consultation period and due-diligence spanning a total of 12 months, the merger has now successfully reached completion. As of today – 1st February 2020 – both Colleges now legally sit within the newly-formed SMB Group.
Both Colleges are rated ‘Good’ by Oftsed, with a shared vision to become ‘Outstanding’ education providers in the near future and it is hoped that this new partnership will aid them in reaching this goal.
Dawn Whitemore, Chief Executive and Principal for the Group commented, “This is an exciting time for our staff and students, as both Colleges will now work together to provide an even stronger offer for all our stakeholders. This truly is a merger of equals and I am looking forward to maximising the provision we can offer, with the learner remaining firmly positioned at the forefront of everything we do. The merger process ran incredibly smoothly due to our ideally matched culture, vision and education offer, which gives me huge confidence in the progress and growth we will be making as a Group in the near future.”
Between the two institutions, a huge range of courses are offered covering full-time and part-time further education, apprenticeships, higher education, short courses and distance learning.
Currently, they share approximately 10,000 students, with goals to attract more students as the partnership offers increased opportunities for learners both regionally and nationally. Both Colleges will continue to accept applications from students for the coming academic year as normal. Courses for current students and those enrolling in September will continue as planned.