Education councillor welcomes Gosport college becoming academy

Councillor Peter Edgar, who is executive member for education, is in favour of St Vincent College in Gosport becoming a multi-academy trust with Richard Taunton College, in Southampton.

The announcement was made today by the colleges which will share resources, expertise and administrative processes.

Cllr Edgar said: ‘I welcome this form of collaboration and it is the modern way.

‘It is going to become more and more necessary over the coming years if we want to overcome the financial challenges and sustain sixth form provision in the local area.

‘I see this partnership working right across the age range in Hampshire.’

He added: ‘The key to the success of these partnerships is local autonomy and local identity being retained.

‘It does provide shared expertise and improves the quality of education.’