Public consultation opens on proposed merger of Blackpool and The Fylde College and Furness College

Thursday, 26 March 2026 16:53

By Central Radio News

The public consultation opens today on plans for the proposed merger between Blackpool and The Fylde College and Furness College in South Cumbria.

The decision to explore a merger follows discussions between both colleges and has been supported through a joint steering group including representatives from each institution.

Steve Fogg, Chair of the Corporation Board at Blackpool and The Fylde College, said: “Our shared vision is to unite the very best strengths of both colleges, and this public consultation is an important opportunity for students, colleagues, employers, stakeholders and our communities to share their views on the proposed merger.

“No final decision has been made and the feedback we receive will play a key role in informing the governing bodies’ consideration of the proposal.”

Meredydd David OBE, Chair of the Corporation Board at Furness College, said: “Both colleges share a commitment to delivering high-quality education to support new opportunities for our students and economic growth for the communities that we serve.

“The public consultation is an important step in this process and we encourage everyone with an interest in our work to take part and help shape the future of further education across our regions.”

The consultation runs from today (Thursday, March 26 ) to Thursday 30 April 2026.

Under this proposal, all students would continue education at their current college following the merger, which would be from August 1.

Feedback can be submitted via the online consultation at: www.blackpool.ac.uk/merger or www.furness.ac.uk/merger

Responses can also be emailed to merger@blackpool.ac.uk or merger@furness.ac.uk

A summary of the consultation feedback and the outcome will be published by Tuesday 30 June 2026.