A historic merger between two sixth-form colleges in the North East has been completed.

From today, the former Prior Pursglove College, in Guisborough, and Stockton Sixth Form College will be known as Prior Pursglove and Stockton Sixth Form College.

This is the first merger between two sixth-form colleges for almost two decades. According to the Sixth Form Colleges’ Association (SFCA), the last merger between two of the institutions was in 1998, when North Bolton Sixth Form College and South College, Bolton, merged to form Bolton Sixth Form College.

The new college will keep its sites in both Guisborough and Stockton, and will be led by principal Joanna Bailey.

Paul Gavens, chair of governors at Prior Pursglove and Stockton Sixth Form College, said: “Our two sites, Prior Pursglove College and Stockton Sixth Form College, will continue to operate, supported by an effective and efficient business function. We firmly believe in the benefits that our merged college will produce for current and prospective students, staff, local employers and other stakeholders within our communities. 

“The government’s area-based review of post-16 education in the Tees Valley is demonstrating the value of regional colleges working together against a backdrop of reduced funding. This is a unique and exciting opportunity to continue to develop our reputation as one of the region’s most successful colleges.”

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