College merger consultation under way
GoogleA consultation on proposals to merge two colleges is under way and will run until the end of April.
Under the proposals, Furness College in Cumbria would join with Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) in Lancashire from the next academic year, but both would keep their names and students would continue at their current provider.
The colleges, which offer apprenticeships, A Levels, BTECs and degrees, claimed the plans would create a "financially stronger, responsive and ambitious" organisation.
Chair of the B&FC corporation board Steve Fogg said: "No final decision has been made and the feedback we receive will play a key role in informing the governing bodies' consideration of the proposal."
Furness College, in Barrow, employs nearly 300 people and teaches almost 900 full-time students and more than 300 apprentices across two campuses.
It was previously told to improve or risk losing future funding after it was rated inadequate by Ofsted inspectors.
However, following a further visit in September Ofsted said Furness had made "reasonable progress".
In a statement, the college said a merged group would broaden the curriculum offer, increase access to specialist facilities and strengthen links with employers and industry.
B&FC has more than 13,000 students across multiple campuses.
The consultation closes on 30 April with the outcome expected to be published two months later.