Merger will bring benefits to students and community

Plans to merge Huntingdonshire and Cambridge Regional Colleges are on track to be completed this year.

The two colleges have finished a one-month long consultation process seeking views on the proposed merger, and are due to publish the results next month. Governors at both colleges are currently looking at the results of the consultation before making them public.

The proposal includes renaming HRC as ‘Cambridge Regional College – Huntingdon Campus’. The college is currently led by Cambridge Regional College principal Mark Robertson, who took on the additional responsibilities for HRC after the departure of head Susanne Stent last year.

He said: “We are delighted to say that following the consultation period we are well on the way to a formal announcement of a merger on 1 August this year.

“Cambridge Regional College is one of the most successful colleges in the country and a merger will bring enormous benefits to students and employers in the Huntingdon community.”

Mr Robertson said the merger would increase opportunities for students, employers and the community.

“The partnership between HRC and CRC is already making a difference and bringing benefits to Huntingdon,” he said.

“This is a very exciting time for education in the region. Merging the two colleges into one strong college with two campuses will bring benefits for students, staff, employers and the community, delivering high quality education and skills training, and working with employers throughout the region to respond to the key skills needs of our booming Cambridgeshire and East of England region.”

The Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills Robert Halfon has said he welcomes the plans to merge.

In comments on a report by the FE Commissioner published following a post-Ofsted visit to HRC, he said: “I understand that decisive action is now being taken and I am encouraged by the college’s approach to seeking the necessary improvements.

“In particular I welcome the Board’s decision to merge with Cambridge Regional College. I also welcome the decision for CRC’s senior leadership to take leadership of HRC until the merger has been completed.

“I understand the interim management team have already brought clarity and direction to the college.”

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
For more information, please contact Lynn O’Shea, Cambridge Regional College Press Officer, on 01223 418773 or email