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Decision Taken to Proceed with College Merger (2010-01-13 )

The Governing Bodies of both Coleg Llandrillo Cymru and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor have unanimously agreed to proceed to the final stages of the merger process and have submitted their proposals to the Welsh Assembly Government.

The decision was taken, in separate Corporation Board meetings held simultaneously, following the conclusion of the detailed planning and consultation phase.

“This is an important landmark for the College and the areas served by the extended institution” said Huw Evans, OBE, Coleg Llandrillo Cymru Principal. “The merger will provide opportunities to engage with communities and local business in a way which is supportive and sensitive to local needs. Achieving the highest standards remains the top priority as the new College gathers momentum and this can only be of benefit to students and learners in the area."

Hedd Pugh, Chair of Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor Governors agreed: “Both governing bodies have firmly embraced the concept and reality of such a merger, which would bring new opportunities for both Colleges and significant benefits to staff, students and communities across Dwyfor, Meirionnydd, Conwy and Denbighshire. Both Colleges bring strengths to the table which can only be of benefit to learners in this part of North Wales.”

During the meetings, both Corporation Boards were presented with detailed proposals, including recommendations informed by an extensive consultation process involving several thousand stakeholders.

Without exception, all consultation feedback was supportive of the proposed merger, with respondents recognising the considerable benefits and opportunities that a new, merged organisation would bring.

Fully supportive of the proposed merger, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas commented:

“The innovative aim to merge Further Education provision across North Wales between Coleg Llandrillo Cymru and Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor sets the area’s post-16 provision on the central path of the current education strategy of the Government of Wales. The Transformation Agenda and the 21st century Higher Education Strategy “For Our Future” requires the development of a regional dimension to the joint planning and delivery of Higher Education and Further Education. This will enable a focus on responding to employers’ skills needs and delivering the requirements of the new 14-19 Learning Pathways legislation and the new proposals for foundation degrees.”

“For me, as someone who has worked across the North, this merger plan is a dream come true. And we now have the leadership locally and nationally to bring the dream to fruition.”

The detailed proposals have now been submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government for consideration. If these plans are approved, the formal and legal merger of the two Colleges could take place during the early summer 2010.

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