Scottish Government
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College merger a success
The merger of three different institutions to form the City of Glasgow College has been a success according to a new report from the Scottish Funding Council.
The report, welcomed by Education Secretary Michael Russell, found the following:
- A wider choice of courses for students
- Continued access to specialist courses, with new specialisms aimed at supporting the economy
- Improved links with higher education
- Early investment in high quality student support in every campus
- Improved staff development to raise the overall quality of provision across its campuses
- Positive relationships with employers, and industry standard facilities in many areas
- Financial savings of approximately £5 million.
Education Secretary Michael Russell said:
“Today’s report clearly shows that City of Glasgow College has capitalised on its scale to deliver the benefits outlined in its merger plan for students, employers and staff. This is a credit to the Principal, Board and senior management team, as well as staff and student associations within the college. Glasgow can be proud of the way in which the college has positioned itself at the heart of the city’s economic development.
“As other colleges around the country move towards a system of regional working – including a number of other possible mergers – to create a sector that delivers the best possible benefits for both students and employers, other institutions could learn a lot from the Glasgow model. This merger was well planned, closely consulted on and has created tangible benefits for all involved.”
Paul Little, Principal of City of Glasgow College, said:
“The merger process to establish the City of Glasgow College has been student focussed and was delivered by a superb team effort by the Board, senior management and college staff. Now as one of the largest colleges in the UK we have a resilient organisation – one that truly delivers enhanced learning experiences for all its students. In transforming three successful colleges to a single, world-class institution, we are doing more than ever to meet the employment, and future employment demands, of Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.”
Mark Farmer, the college’s Student President added:
“Students from different schools were able to link before the merger, getting a feel of other campuses and getting to know the students and facilities there. In terms of the stability of their learning environment, most students have been oblivious to the merger,
“It hasn’t interfered in their education, which is a great bonus. When going from class to class, most students don’t see any difference – the only one is the sign above the door.”
The City of Glasgow College was created on September 1, 2010 through the merger of Central College Glasgow, Glasgow Metropolitan College and Glasgow College of Nautical Studies.
