Merger of Stockport College and Trafford College

Stockport College and Trafford College today announced the completion of their merger which will create a single, larger and more sustainable college better able to meet the current and future needs of students, employers and the local community.

The Trafford College Group is the corporation name for the new provider which will support the success of over 14,000 students and apprentices and a combined turnover of around £37million. 

The new organisation will provide Academic, Technical and Professional, Further and Higher Education study which will enable learners to gain the education, skills and personal development needed to meet the local and regional skills challenge.

Lesley Davies OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the newly formed Trafford College Group (pictured), said: “Our aim is for our learners to be ahead of the competition in terms of successfully securing meaningful employment and progression to higher level study.

“We are putting at the core of our programmes employability and professional skills development, underpinned practically with: a digital entitlement; a values-driven curriculum; an emphasis on professional behaviours; and setting the standards and aspirations for our students at a high level, working with them.”

Central to this commitment is the decision that both Stockport College and Trafford College will retain their existing names and campus sites enabling them to continue in their role as a hub for learning in their local community, identified by key stakeholders and employers as crucial to local and regional development.

Davies said: “It is our intention to refresh the brands for both colleges and to formally launch The Trafford College Group by the end of April which will act as a signal and catalyst to grow the business. 

“We intend to grow commercial and apprenticeship provision and increase revenue through the development of high value transformational relationships with employers and businesses, as well as developing our Higher Education offer ensuring that it is recognised for its value to individuals, communities and business.

“By developing and delivering business partnerships that enhance curriculum delivery, and providing meaningful work placements and experience that enable a clear line of sight to work and careers, we will set ourselves apart as a career college.”