North Devon College and Exeter College Announce Plans for Merger in Principle

North Devon College and Exeter College, two of Devon’s leading further education institutions, have announced plans to explore a formal merger in principle, marking a potential transformation in the region’s education landscape.

The proposed merger follows months of discussions between the colleges since Christmas, with both Boards agreeing that early explorations have shown significant promise. The initiative, which remains voluntary, is not driven by intervention but rather by a shared vision to enhance educational provision across Devon and the wider South West.

The next step in the process is a comprehensive period of due diligence. This phase will involve legal, financial and strategic reviews, supported by external consultants and senior leadership teams from both colleges. A final decision on the merger is expected in November 2025, following stakeholder consultation and further governance review.

Key potential benefits of the merger include:

• Greater resilience to funding challenges and enhanced ability to respond to national policy shifts.
• Expanded opportunities in Adult Education, Higher Technical Education, and Apprenticeships.
• A nationally significant curriculum with scope to introduce programmes aligned with future-focused industries like offshore wind.

Read the full joint statement and find out more here: https://www.petroc.ac.uk/merger-consultation-information/