Central Bedfordshire College, which recently celebrated its 60^th anniversary, serves communities across southern Central Bedfordshire and Luton, with campuses in Dunstable, Houghton Regis, Leighton Buzzard and Luton.

For both learners and staff at Central Bedfordshire College it is ‘business as usual’ with classes and courses continuing as expected. Behind the scenes, the management teams and governing bodies will be working closely together to ensure a seamless transition, and to put plans in place to expand the educational offer to meet the future skills needs of Central Bedfordshire and Luton communities.

Prof James Crabbe JP, Chair of The Corporation at CBC, said:

“I am delighted to say that the Governing Body of Central Bedfordshire College agreed to a merger with The Bedford College Group. The merger will allow our vision of skills and vocational education for our region, which we as a College have developed over many years, to become an actuality, with enormous benefits for our learners, our staff, local employers and the community of Bedfordshire as a whole.  I am confident that this merger of our College, with its strong culture of an inclusive, calm and caring environment for learners and staff, will fit well with the ethos of The Bedford College Group, and could become a model for mergers in the FE sector.”

Allan Schofield, Chair of The Corporation at TBCG:

“The Bedford College Group is delighted to have been selected as the merger partner for Central Bedfordshire College.  It brings together the two largest post-16 educators in the local authority area and creates a financially strong institution which will allow us to expand the educational opportunities to everyone in Central Bedfordshire and Luton.”

Ian Pryce CBE, Chief Executive TBCG:

“We already have a great relationship with the College but this will allow us to deepen and build that relationship to create something very special for our community, employers, staff and students.”