TWO North-East colleges have been given the green light to merge after both boards unanimously backed the proposals.

Hartlepool Sixth Form College and Sunderland College announced in March that they were in discussions about a potential merger. It was confirmed today they will come together to create a super-institution for education.

The proposal will create a “more resilient” Sixth Form for Hartlepool and a larger, “more robust” Sunderland College Group.

Chair of the board of governors at Hartlepool Sixth Form College, Jonathan Brash, said: “It was clear that there was a fantastic cultural fit between Sunderland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form, and the board is absolutely convinced this partnership will deliver a strong and sustainable provision for the young people of Hartlepool.”

His views were echoed by Stephan Jungnitz, interim principal of Hartlepool Sixth Form College. He said: “We are really pleased to become part of Sunderland College, a move that will strengthen Hartlepool Sixth Form College and further improve our excellent standard of teaching, learning and student support.”

“We are looking forward to working with our colleagues in Sunderland over the summer as we join a wider group, and to sharing best practice along the way to ensure that provision in the Hartlepool area is the strongest it has ever been.”

Both Hartlepool and Sunderland have a long-standing history of delivering Sixth Form provision.

Originally known as West Hartlepool Grammar School, or Brinkburn Grammar School, Hartlepool Sixth Form College serves more than 850 students.

Sunderland Sixth Form, which was originally Bede Grammar School, is delivered from Sunderland College’s Bede Campus and serves more than 600 students from Wearside and County Durham.