Kidderminster higher education provider to merge with Stourbridge College (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Kidderminster higher education provider to merge with Stourbridge College

7:30am Tuesday 1st January 2013 in News

A BIRMINGHAM college which provides higher education in Kidderminster is planning to merge with Stourbridge College following a formal consultation.

Birmingham Metropolitan College works in partnership with Kidderminster College to provide the new Academy at Kidderminster in the town’s historic piano building.

By merging with Stourbridge, the college hopes to promote and sustain economic growth and became one of the largest education providers in the country.

Christine Braddock, principal of the Academy at Kidderminster and Birmingham Metropolitan College, said: “We are delighted to be merging with Stourbridge College who have a long established reputation for success and innovation.

“Working together will help both colleges respond to the Government’s priorities, particularly in light of the current economic climate and the need to develop the skills of the current and future workforce.”

The new organisation, which has currently not been named, hopes to provide the skilled workforce that the region needs. Stourbridge College will also benefit from the connections Birmingham Metropolitan College can provide.

Lynette Cutting, principal of Stourbridge College, said: “We have been at the forefront of innovation for a number of years and the merger of our two successful colleges will further enhance our ability to support the local and regional economies and the communities we serve.”

The consultation exercise is being carried out in January and details on how to contribute will be available from January 18.