SOUTH EAST Derbyshire College is set to be taken over by Derby College after government officials gave a merger plan the go-ahead.
From February 15, the college, which has campuses in Ilkeston and Heanor, will be dissolved and some staff, facilities and services will be transferred to Derby College.
Classes will continue at the Ilkeston and Heanor sites.
Graham Bolton, cha
irman of the governors, said: "Since becoming chairman of governors almost three years ago my fellow governors and I have been actively seeking ways to improve opportunities for learners in the Amber Valley and Erewash areas.
"Naturally I am delighted that we are to become part of Derby College. I firmly believe that this will bring both short term and long term benefits to students."
An estates and learning review is underway to make sure that students benefit from the best facilities for their courses.
Carey Jones, deputy principal at South East Derbyshire said: "The merger is the best guarantee that there will be continuing education in this area. The merger means better opportunities for learners in the area."
South East Derbyshire has 1,200 full-time learners, 3,000 part-time learners and 1,000 work-based learners, Derby College has 5,000 full time and 20,000 part time students.
Derby College principal, David Croll, said: "Our shared vision for the merger was to transform further education in Derby and Derbyshire.
"Both colleges have an excellent reputation and particular individual strengths which we can now combine to provide an extensive range of high quality learning opportunities."
