BCA and Henley College open discussions over link-up

Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA) and The Henley College are discussing linking-up as the Government reviews further education with a view to 'fewer, larger and more resilient' institutions.

The Burchetts Green and Henley-on-Thames colleges confirmed they are in the early stages of exploring developing 'closer links'.

The Government is reviewing all further education and sixth-form colleges, excluding schools, over the next 18 months, in a bid to improve efficiency..

It says a major reform of post-16 education is now 'necessary' to address 'significant financial pressures' in the sector.

It has introduced area reviews to evaluate how different parts of the country can improve. The first, in Birmingham, was launched in July.

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire will be evaluated in the second wave of area reviews, set to begin early this year.

The Government says: "The work of the further education and sixth form college commissioners has identified there is significant scope for greater efficiency in the sector, in a way that frees up resources to deliver high quality education and training which supports economic growth."

The two college's boards met last night for the first time. They agreed to form a steering group of two principals, two chairs of governors and representatives from both college's governing bodies.

The group will discuss forming what it calls an 'alliance' to ensure BCA and The Henley College's successful futures.

Both colleges say it is too early to know what form the partnership will take, and that is what the steering group will explore over the coming months.

Gillian May, principal at BCA, said: "The focus of our discussions will be the development of a stronger and broader range of educational opportunities. Underpinned by a financially robust institution with the capacity to undertake long-term planning and investment in technology to support learning.

"I would like to reassure all of our students, parents, employers and all our stakeholders that this area review will have no impact on day-to-day life at the college and will not affect the learning experience. We will continue to focus on providing excellent education and training to our students before, during and after the process. Applicants to the colleges should continue as normal.

Jayne Davis, principal at The Henley College, said: "The opportunity to explore further collaboration with BCA will enhance the already strong specialisms that the two colleges enjoy. As the only sixth form college in the three counties, The Henley College's specialism around A-levels coupled with a very strong vocational diploma offer would complement the curriculum at BCA.

"The land based specialism at BCA will provide us with an excellent opportunity to expand the already extensive Henley apprenticeship programme and create a platform for expansion into higher level technical qualifications."