Merger will reduce travel for students

A MERGER between two Devon colleges is expected to expand the number of students attending Petroc in North Devon by 800.

- ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter

The Barnstaple-based college, whose fortunes have turned around since it was rated as requiring improvement a year ago and facing a £1 million deficit, will join with the “outstanding” Exeter College in January, increasing opportunities for young people living in the north of the county.

The aim is to create the best “place based college in England” with all but a handful of courses available in both locations.

Leaders want Petroc to return to the student numbers of ten years ago so would need to increase the number of 16-18 year olds by around 800 to 3,000.

They hope the merger will prevent North Devon students having to travel up to two hours on buses and trains to access their chosen further education courses.