THE Royal Forest of Dean College is planning to celebrate its 25th anniversary by becoming part of a countywide super college.

Governors at both RFDC and Gloucestershire College have agreed to merger talks.

Yesterday, managers were trying to contact hundreds of staff to tell them about the plans which are seen as the only way RFDC can survive in the 21st Century.

College chiefs are at pains to point out that even though RFDC could be dissolved, it will keep its own site with its own identity if the merger goes ahead.

Principal Janak Patel said: "As a small rural college, we have taken the positive step to merge to ensure we meet the needs of the learners, employers and the community.

"I understand that the college is a vital facility in the Forest of Dean and the potential merger with Gloucestershire College will secure our future.

"We have many strengths that we can share and this is an ideal opportunity for both colleges to grow and improve the quality of service offered. It is the start of an exciting journey for the Royal Forest of Dean College."

Nationally, smaller further education colleges such as the Forest, which has a budget of around £7.6 million, are being persuaded that mergers are the key to survival in the current economic climate.

Supporters say joining forces with Gloucestershire, which has a budget of £34 million, is likely to mean investment in buildings, more courses, extra computers and specialist help.

College chiefs recognise it will be an unsettling time for staff who will see their contracts transferred if the Secretary of State gives the go-ahead.

But Gloucester- shire College principal Greg Smith says staff and students have nothing to fear because he is committed to the Forest and the merger will only enhance the offer.

"I was pleased to be approached by RFDC as there was a danger that further education could be lost in the Forest," he said.

"I am delighted to be able to play a part in protecting the future of further education in the Forest of Dean. Our increased resource can be used to protect long-term provision.

"We can learn from each other. They are already doing a good job and we will support them in doing that job. It will be a great partnership."

Talks have been ongoing since May when RFDC approached Gloucester- shire as a possible partner.

Gloucestershire's vice-principal Matthew Burgess carried out an informal feasibility study and both gov- erning bodies have told the Skills Funding Agency they want to proceed.

The talks will centre on a 'Type B' merger which will mean dissolving RFDC and handing over its property, rights and liabilities to Gloucestershire.

The college is likely to be renamed the Royal Forest of Dean Campus and current Gloucestershire principal Greg Smith will remain at the helm of the super college which will be the biggest by far in the county.

The next move is an in-depth feasibility study, forensic examination of the books and a formal consultation period with stakeholders which is likely to be launched in September.

Any merger is unlikely be completed before early 2011.

Both boards have issued a joint statement claiming small rural colleges are no longer financially viable.

"The loss of the college to the Forest of Dean would be a disaster," said the statement.

"There are significant benefits to the citizens of the Forest, which will be created by the merger.

"The greater res- ources of Gloucester- shire College will allow the merged college to tackle skills gaps in the Forest of Dean more effect- ively."

Chairman of the RFDC board Alan Williams said: "This is a significant and exciting development that will secure the provision of education in the Forest of Dean. The merged Gloucestershire College will be able to widen opportunities."

A Skills Funding Agency spokesman said: "The colleges will take the results of the consultation into account in making a final merger proposal to the Agency in November. Ministers will then make the final decision."

See

thisisgloucestershire.co.uk

for full statement from colleges