North Shropshire College (NSC) merged with Herefordshire and Ludlow College (HLC) at the start of November, supported by a government funding package. The transition funding will support the long-term financial sustainability of NSC’s campuses at Oswestry and Walford, Baschurch. The settlement will resolve NSC’s debt burden, fund a cost reduction programme, and facilitate backlog maintenance work to enhance both campuses.
The new Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College will be governed by HLC’s board, boosted by representatives from North Shropshire. HLC presently has a large vocational campus in Hereford city, a land-based campus and farm at Holme Lacy, near Hereford, a sixth form college at Ludlow, and its apprenticeship arm, County Training.
The newly-created college will be able to offer a diverse curriculum and training opportunities throughout both counties. Ian Peake, the principal of the new institution, says, “I’m delighted that after many months of careful preparation this merger has happened. This is a very significant development that will greatly enhance the curriculum offer at North Shropshire College, particularly with the reintroduction of A Level programmes this year.”
Pictured: Ian Peake
