SUPER CAMPUS FOR REASEHEATH (From Warrington Guardian)

SUPER CAMPUS FOR REASEHEATH

A SHAKE-UP of further education in South Cheshire could see three colleges merging onto a Nantwich super campus with 10,000 students.

Crewe's South Cheshire College and Malbank sixth form in Nantwich have revealed plans to relocate to the campus at Reaseheath College.

While talks are in the early stages, the move would base all the borough's further education facilities at the agricultural college.

Concerns over the plans have focused on the fact that Crewe students would be forced to travel to Nantwich to pursue sixth form studies.

A Reaseheath College spokesman said: "While each college would remain independent, shared state-of-the-art facilities would be built which would offer students world class opportunities and choice.

"Talks between the three educational establishments are at a very early stage."

While welcoming the discussions, Reaseheath principal Meredydd David stressed that his college would not lose any of its identity as one of the UK's leading land-based colleges.

He added: "The benefits of three 21st century colleges working together could be huge for students in South Cheshire and beyond.

"The individual independence of each college will maintain their special focus and ethos and is fundamental to this scheme's success."

Malbank head Allan Kettleday said the proposals would in no way undermine the sixth form college's identity and independence.

It is thought the plans originated with South Cheshire College, currently ranked the best in the country, as bosses are keen to expand beyond the confines of the Dane Bank Avenue campus.

A spokesperson said: "We are looking at ways in which we can work more closely with Reaseheath College and Malbank School to increase the number of opportunities and facilities for students in the area.

"One of the alternatives is to re-locate South Cheshire College and the sixth form at Malbank to new accommodation which would be built at Reaseheath and would bring all post-16 education and training in Crewe and Nantwich to one site.

"Our governors and senior management team at the college will be working with our counterparts at Malbank and Reaseheath and education partners in the borough in the months ahead to establish whether this move would be right for learners and the community."