Solihull College & University Centre is delighted to complete its merger with Stratford-upon-Avon College.
Solihull’s infrastructure and investment capacity will combine with Stratford’s key strengths and expertise in order for the combined College to have greater resilience and influence in the region.
John Callaghan, Principal and Chief Executive of the newly combined College, commented: “Each college possesses unique areas of expertise and this merger will enable us to maximise our combined strengths”.
“The creative curriculum at Stratford was one of the prime reasons we wanted to merge with them so I’m particularly pleased that we are able to open this up to a more diverse population. I’m also delighted that we are drawing on the unique cultural and historical character of the town to enhance the offer in a way no other town could”.
A key feature of the merger is the wider range of opportunity for potential students at both Colleges. Building on its core strengths in creative arts, culture and hospitality, over 20 new courses will be launched across the curriculum at Stratford in September 2018. Stratford students will also have a direct progression route to university level courses in subjects such as engineering, sport and computing by linking up with Solihull.
A public consultation process allowed the local community and all stakeholders the opportunity to voice their opinions – an impressive 73% overall were in favour of the merger, with only 2% against.
The local business community will also gain from the merger. Stevie Edmund-Jones, Head of Employer Engagement at Stratford-upon-Avon College commented “The merger will allow us to develop deeper relationships with local employers, forge new apprenticeship opportunities and better serve the community”.
John Callaghan is confident of an exciting future for the combined College: “I very much look forward to the future in which, by combining our various strengths and areas of expertise, we will be able to provide ever higher standards of provision for our local communities”.
To find out more about the courses on offer, visit www.solihull.ac.uk or www.stratford.ac.uk.
