The proposed merger of two leading Cumbrian colleges has moved a step closer.

It was announced today that both Lakes College at Lillyhall and Carlisle College have approved the move to due diligence.

The move follows talks over some months as to the best way for both colleges to meet local and national needs and a Government-led review of further education provision in Cumbria.

A team brought in to review the provision has already endorsed the proposed merger as their preferred option for the development of further education in north and west Cumbria.

The proposal will now move into a process of due diligence, a key part of which will be a comprehensive consultation with both local communities and stakeholders, to gather their views on the proposed merger.

Under the plan the existing campuses in Lillyhall and Carlisle will be retained as a combined college. A formal public consultation document will now be developed to outline the proposals and suggested timescales.

Mark Stanger, chairman of Lakes College, welcomed the move: “We need to be flexible and dynamic in a fast-moving environment and the complementary offer of a combined college could bring significant advantages for all concerned.”

Carlisle College chairman of governors, David Carter, added: “Ultimately, an in-Cumbria merger which meets the needs of the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership skills plan, and which strengthens our shared vision of providing the best education and training for the area, is an attractive proposition on which we are all united.”

The proposal is supported by both Chris Nattress, Principal of Lakes College, and Elaine Price, Acting Principal of Carlisle College, who, in a joint statement, said:

“A combined offer that will build on our existing extensive curriculum, whilst providing the opportunity for further developments in Advanced Manufacturing, Nuclear and STEM subjects, is an exciting proposal that will strengthen the ability of the colleges and our communities to capitalise on future developments.

"We already work successfully in partnership and we look forward to building on this to create a college which will bring enhanced opportunities to our students and employers in the North and West of the county.”