Merger between Paston Sixth Form College and City College Norwich given the go ahead
29th November 2017
Paston Sixth Form College and City College Norwich have confirmed that the merger of the two institutions will go ahead, with effect from Friday 1st December 2017, after both sets of governing bodies approved the merger.
The newly combined college will use the 1st December to celebrate this significant milestone in the history of both colleges. In addition, they will use the day to continue the ongoing dialogue with students, staff, parents, employers and members of the wider North East Norfolk community about their priorities for Paston College.
Employers, parents and the college’s many other stakeholders have been invited to Paston College’sOpening Day event, at 12-2pm on Friday 1st December, in The Griffon Theatre. The event will give people the chance to find out more about what the merger will mean in practice, ask any questions they still have about the merger, and crucially help shape the future priorities for the college.
This is the latest in a series of events at Paston College where City College Norwich’s Principal, Corrienne Peasgood, has been on hand to answer questions and listen to feedback and suggestions from parents, students and staff.
Many things will remain the same at Paston College. For example, all current students will complete their programme as planned in North Walsham. However, students, staff and visitors to Paston College will notice a few immediate changes from 1st December, including:
- Corrienne Peasgood will be the Principal of the newly merged college;
- Paston Sixth Form College will be renamed Paston College and interim changes in signage, ID badges, college communications and branding will reflect this;
- Staff and students will start to see exciting new learning and staff development opportunities, plus other staff and student benefits, in line with those offered throughout City College Norwich.
Over the next year – taking into account the views of local employers and the Area Review recommendations – Paston College will start to introduce new post-16 vocational courses and adult learning opportunities, to broaden the course offering to the North Norfolk community and provide new pathways into Higher Education.
The merger between Paston Sixth Form College and City College Norwich was one of the key recommendations of the Norfolk and Suffolk Area Review of Post-16 Education and Training, and follows a public consultation on the plans in which a majority of respondents were in favour of the merger.
Kevin Grieve, Principal, Paston Sixth Form College, said:
“Paston College will continue to go from strength to strength after the merger building on its excellent reputation in the community. It is an exciting time for the new organisation and everyone can expect development of the curriculum and more opportunities for staff and students.”
Corrienne Peasgood, Principal, City College Norwich, commented:
“Bringing together Paston’s rich history and reputation for academic excellence with City College Norwich’s outstanding breadth and quality of vocational, adult and Higher Education, marks the beginning of a significant new chapter for everyone connected with both colleges. Most importantly, our merger will expand education and training opportunities for learners and employers in North Norfolk.
“Paston College will provide a range of new vocational learning opportunities, with clear progression routes to Higher Education, widening access to high quality skills training for young people, adults, and employers in North Norfolk. This purpose is at the heart of why our colleges are joining together. I look forward to seeing Paston College deliver on this vision, whilst further enhancing its deserved reputation for excellence at A Level.”