Shelagh Legrave says the merger between Chichester College and Central Sussex College will form a dynamic and ambitious new group “focused on championing excellence in teaching and learning”.
The merger was announced yesterday and will create the largest college group in Sussex, with the aim to provide learning opportunities for around 25,000 students each year.
As part of the merger, Central Sussex College has been renamed to reflect the group’s commitment to the local community and will now be known as Crawley College.
Mrs Legrave OBE has been appointed chief executive officer for the group. She is joined by Kieran Stigant, who takes up his position as chair of the corporation.
A new principal – Vicki Illingworth – has also been appointed for Crawley College. Andrew Green will become executive principal at Chichester College.
Mrs Legrave said: “We are delighted to be coming together to form a dynamic group of colleges and businesses focused on championing excellence in teaching and learning.
“Our students at all of the group’s campuses will be at the heart of everything we do as we strive to ensure we are giving them the very best education and experience that we can.
“The group will also offer increased opportunities to students – as well as employers and communities in Sussex, giving them a greater access to a wide range of courses at many different levels.
“It is our aim that we will create educational institutions that follow sustainable and innovative structures, encouraging growth and investment.”
The group covers four main sites – Chichester College, Crawley College, Brinsbury (a land-based campus) and Horsham Training Centre.
It also has an extensive portfolio of successful commercial businesses which operate alongside the colleges, including a chain of childcare nurseries (First Steps Childcare), an examination board, international education and sports and conferencing facilities.
