A proposed college merger bringing together more than 12,000 learners across Northamptonshire has moved a step closer, with final decisions expected on 10 December.
Northampton College and Moulton College are preparing for a planned merger on 1 January 2027, subject to final approval, following a six-week public consultation and further scrutiny by their governing bodies.
At a meeting on 4 November, Moulton College governors resolved an “intention to dissolve”, a formal step in the governance process. Further work will now take place to secure the approvals needed for the merger to proceed.
The proposed organisation, to be known as Northampton and Moulton Colleges Group, would operate across five campuses and employ around 1,300 staff. Both colleges would retain their existing brands.
Governors at both institutions have reviewed consultation feedback alongside detailed due diligence examining the implications of bringing the colleges together.
Jason Lancaster, principal and chief executive of Northampton College, has been confirmed as principal and chief executive designate of the proposed group.
He said: “It was essential that the feedback we have received during the public consultation process was properly considered alongside the detailed work that took place to understand the implications of bringing our two colleges together.
“The latest governance meetings represent the natural next step in that process. Our focus now turns to ensuring that everything is in place to make the switch to a merged college group as straight-forward as we can come January, while creating the best possible transition for our learners, our employers and the communities we serve.”
The consultation invited views from students, staff, employers, residents and community organisations.
Yultan Mellor, interim principal and chief executive of Moulton College, said: “Throughout this process, our priority has been to secure a strong future for Moulton College, our students and the industries we serve.
“We are proud of our reputation in land-based education, and this proposed merger would provide an opportunity to build on those strengths through increased investment and greater resilience. The due diligence work completed at both colleges means that we are now in a position to press ahead with preparations ahead of the final decisions in December, before officially coming together.”
Under the college merger plans, the Moulton campus would retain a central role in specialist provision, including agriculture, animal welfare, equine studies, ecological conservation and sport.
The colleges say existing courses, apprenticeships and student support arrangements would continue without interruption following the proposed January merger.
Their stated ambition is to strengthen the organisation’s resilience while expanding opportunities for learners, employers and communities across Northamptonshire.
