Cardonald and Anniesland colleges enter into merger talks

Feb 1 2012 By Emma Smith

Cardonald College Image 2

A “major period of change” lies ahead for two Glasgow colleges after bosses entered into merger talks.

The management of Anniesland and Cardonald Colleges have already told the Scottish Funding Council that they are in discussions to become one institution.

And both colleges say they want a full merger, subject to meeting satisfactory standards.

They offer a wide range of courses and have worked successfully together in joint projects over the years.

There are 2000 full-time students at Cardonald and nearly 10,000 part-time. Anniesland have 8000 students attending courses.

Anniesland principal Linda McTavish said: “There is a major period of change coming for the college sector in Scotland.

“Anniesland and Cardonald have developed a wide range of services and learning opportunities that meet the needs of learners and businesses, both large and small.

“We’ve been involved in joint projects that have resulted in positive outcomes.

“Both colleges will now proceed with further discussions to jointly plan the future for staff, learners and the communities we serve.”

Her counterpart at Cardonald, Susan Walsh, added: “As individual colleges, each has a strong tradition of supporting lifelong learning in communities and working to support Glasgow’s people into jobs through high-quality training and education.

“The potential for one college – harnessing the strength of both – will bring even greater opportunities for Glasgow’s learners.”

Last August, City of Glasgow College was created when the Metropolitan College and the College of Nautical Studies merged.

It is now the largest college in Scotland with 40,000 students from 135 countries and provides jobs for 1300 staff.

Stow College were also involved in the original merger talks but pulled out.

City of Glasgow College are now planning to develop their grounds to create a new super campus after funding of £200million was agreed in November.

It will be situated near the Cathedral Street and Thistle Street areas.

The Scottish Funding Council will be providing £193million to the new campus and the college will be putting forward £5.67million.