A CONSULTATION has started on the potential merger of two of the region’s leading further education colleges.

A merger between South Tyneside College and Tyne Metropolitan College is being proposed and members of the public have until March 17 to comment.

College leaders say the proposal would strengthen teaching and learning and safeguard existing services in what is a rapidly changing education landscape.

The new organisation, with the proposed name of Tyne Coast College, will operate across all existing campuses on both sides of the river, supporting the education with around 20,000 full and part-time students on its books.

The plans, which come amid a nationwide Government review into Further Education, have been endorsed by FE Commissioner Richard Atkins CBE and both North Tyneside and South Tyneside councils.

Andrew Watts, Chair of Governors at South Tyneside College, said: “In my view, merger is a very sensible and positive proposal which will lead to a bigger, better and stronger all-round teaching and training organisation, ready for all challenges.

“I strongly believe that combining our significant resources is by far the best way for us to deliver the broadest possible learning experience to the people of this region.”