Two of East Lancashire’s major further education colleges are in discussions about ‘collaborating’.
Accrington and Rossendale College and Burnley College say their are discussing ‘the possibility of a more collaborative approach to education’ across their areas of work.
While they cannot yet stipulate what this will mean for students and staff, the discussions are part of a national review into further education colleges.
A spokesperson for Accrington and Rossendale College said: “At the heart of these discussions are the best interests of students, our employers and the East Lancashire community.
“The purpose would be to increase their capacity of our existing high-quality education and skills offer to meet current and future needs and to ensure long-term financial resilience. Combining the successes and strengths of our two organisations opens up a wealth of opportunities for current and potential students, their families, employers and the communities we serve.”
The college, based on Broad Oak Road in Accrington, added that both colleges were strongly committed to the towns in which they are based and to the wider East Lancashire area.
Their spokesperson added: “Whilst the precise nature of any potential collaboration cannot yet be predicted, there is an opportunity to transform and strengthen the further education and university opportunities available to the area whilst maintaining the government’s value for money.”
A spokesperson for Burnley College said: “In line with many colleges in Lancashire, Burnley College and Accrington and Rossendale College are discussing the possibility of collaboration. This is aligned with Government strategic direction and the national Area Review process for further education colleges.”
