TWO colleges at different sides of Teesside are to go ahead with a merger which will help save money.

Prior Pursglove College in Guisborough, and Stockton Sixth Form College have already shared staff, and support services, for two years.

Following a consultation process, which started in September, the two colleges' governors have decided the merger plan offered both sites long-term security.

Both colleges will continue with "business as usual", operating on two sites, and students will not travel between sites.

As part of the plans, Joanna Bailey, Principal of Stockton Sixth Form College, is now also Interim Principal at Prior Pursglove College and will oversee both sites.

The landmark proposal is the first equal merger of two sixth form colleges in 17 years.

Paul Gavens, Chair of Governors at Prior Pursglove College, said: “As well as sharing a common purpose, we are both judged to be 'Good' by Ofsted and work in partnership with great success.

“We have spent some time looking for innovative solutions to enable both colleges to continue to reach the highest standards whilst making further efficiencies."

Margaret Hirst, Chair of Governors at Stockton Sixth Form College, said: “The post-16 landscape both locally and nationally is changing, and we view this merger as a positive, beneficial step which will secure the sustainability of both centres for the longer term.”

Both colleges will now put forward an application to the Secretary of State for Education for approval. The date proposed for the incorporation of the new sixth form college is 1st April 2016.