Petroc & Exeter College Merger Consultation Information

Notice of Dissolution

NOTICE is hereby given that the Governing Body of Petroc intends to make a resolution on 9 December 2025 dissolving the Corporation of Petroc on 5 January 2026 pursuant to its intended merger with Exeter College.  The draft of the resolution is as follows:

Following:

• publication by the Corporation of the details of the proposal and the other information required under the Further Education College Corporations (Publication of Proposals) (England) Regulations 2012 (the “Regulations”) and consulting on the proposal and taking account of the views of those consulted in accordance with the Regulations (the “Statutory Consultation”);
• publication of the results of the Statutory Consultation;
• publication of the draft resolutions of the Corporation to dissolve and provide for the transfer of its property, rights and liabilities (as required under Article 23(2) of the Instrument and Articles); and
• the carrying out of legal and financial due diligence exercises in respect of the Corporation of Exeter College,

the Corporation of Petroc hereby RESOLVES to merge with the Corporation of Exeter College in accordance with section 27A and 27B of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992, with the Corporation of Petroc dissolving at 11:00 on 5 January 2026 and its property rights and liabilities transferring immediately before that time to the Corporation of Exeter College in accordance with sections 27A and 27B of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.

The Merger

Exeter College and Petroc remain fully committed to doing the right thing for young people, apprentices, adult learners, and local businesses. Following an overwhelmingly positive response to the recent public consultation, we are delighted to confirm strong support for forming the new Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group - a partnership built on shared values, ambition, and a deep commitment to our communities.

This proposed merger strengthens our collective ability to meet the region’s skills needs and reflects a national shift towards fewer, larger, place-based college groups with the capacity to deliver outstanding education and training. Together, we will create a regional powerhouse for education and skills - the largest college group in the South West and among the largest in the UK - with a combined annual turnover of £100 million.

Our shared vision is to invest, innovate, and deliver exceptional outcomes for learners, employers, and communities across Devon. We are committed to maintaining Outstanding sixth form provision in Exeter and developing the same level of excellence in North Devon. The merger will also enable Devon-wide solutions for High Needs Education, Apprenticeships, Adult Learning, and Higher Technical Education, all aligned with local economic priorities.

A key part of our vision includes developing Petroc’s Tiverton campus into a specialist centre for young people with additional needs, supporting progression into independent living, supported employment, and further study. This reflects our ongoing dedication to inclusion, opportunity, and excellence for every learner.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the consultation and helped shape this exciting next chapter for education across Devon.

Read our Joint Press Release, Public Consultation Document, and Full Consultation Outcome Document to learn more about our shared future as the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group.