Principals face students over college merger plans (From Enfield Independent)

Principals face students over Southgate and Barnet College merger plans

12:13pm Monday 7th February 2011 in News By Alex Hayes

STUDENTS at two colleges looking to merge are set to have a chance to quiz the principals on the plans.

Barnet College head Marilyn Hawkins and her Southgate College counterpart David Byrne will hold the lunchtime meetings in a bid to explain more about the proposals.

Both colleges say the merger is vital to safeguard the future of higher education in north London, with cuts set to wipe millions from both institutions' budgets.

In a joint statement they said: "The proposals to merge the two colleges represent a great opportunity for students and prospective students, staff and the local community.

"It would enable us to offer a wider range of education and training packages, even better-suited to the needs of the communities we serve, and, in these tough financial times, offer good value for money, both to students and to the public purse.

"We are committed to ensuring that all our stakeholders are able to have their say, including, of course, students and learners at the two colleges."

If the plans are signed off by the Government and governing bodies this summer the two establishments could be operating under the banner of Barnet and Southgate College for the new academic year in September.

There is a public consultation on the plans running until March 2 and it can be viewed by visiting http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/providers/allthelatest/consultations/