Colchester Institute and Braintree College merger

It has been announced that the merger between Braintree College and Colchester Institute will go ahead as of 1st January 2010. The news of the merger came from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (DBIS).

Braintree College, one of Braintree’s major employers, announced the proposed merger with Colchester Institute - the largest vocational college in Essex - during the summer of 2008.

Colchester Institute already has bases in other locations such as Clacton and Dovercourt as well as its main campus in Sheepen Road, Colchester.

Danny Clough, Principal and Chief Executive of Colchester Institute says: ‘‘We are both pleased and relieved to hear this news.  We believe the merger will enhance the long-term further education provision and training opportunities in the Braintree area, and North Essex generally, serving the needs of learners and employers. We will ensure that the College provision remains at the heart of the community.’’

Jim Addison, Interim Principal at Braintree College says: ‘‘We are delighted the merger is going ahead and believe it will ensure the long term success and sustainability of Further Education in the area.’’

Danny Clough added that: ‘‘Braintree College will emerge in the new format of The College at Braintree, a fresh name for an exciting venture’’.

David Priest, Chairman of the Corporation Board at Colchester Institute commented on the merger: ‘‘2010 will prove to be an exciting year for Colchester Institute and The College at Braintree. It will create a dynamic enterprise for our current and future students.’’ 

Brian Cutmore, Chairman of Braintree College’s Corporation Board at says: ‘’ The merger will enable students to access a diverse range of courses at their local college. This will, of course, benefit the community from here onwards.’’

The Regional Committee of the Learning and Skills Council, which is responsible for ensuring the availability and funding of high quality, post-16, education and training funds, approved earlier the Full Merger Proposal (FMP) by Braintree College for a full merger with Colchester Institute.  Colchester Institute is the continuing organisation.