Consultation launched over Portsmouth College and Highbury College proposed merger

Highbury and Portsmouth Colleges have launched a public consultation on plans to unite the two venues under a new banner, calling the new institution City of Portsmouth College.

Under the current plans, the colleges will merge on July 30.

Penny Wycherley, CEO designate for the new college, said: ‘Achieving this vision for education in the city and embedding it in our work and our partnerships will support the city, its communities and its economy to grow and flourish in the post-Covid world.’

The colleges believe that this merger offers an opportunity to bring together two colleges that complement one another well, improving the options available to potential students.

Those at the helm also say that the city council, the University of Portsmouth, Shaping Portsmouth, the Solent LEP and MPs are all supportive of the move.

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Simon Barrable, principal designate, said: ‘The newly merged college offers a unique opportunity for the city to develop an institution that can meet the needs of 16 to 19 and adult learners alike.

‘It will be large, financially strong and so able to offer an excellent educational experience and outcomes for all its students.’

The unification of both colleges will lead to a single, more financially stable institution, with employers influencing the curriculum.

Each campus will have its own name and specialisms, catering to the needs of Sixth Form, vocational, adult and high needs students, as well as apprentices.

The consultation is called One City: One College, and launches on today.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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