Minister of State visits College to show support for merger

Minister of State for Apprenticeships and Skills, Anne Milton paid a visit to Southport College following their recent merger with King George V College this week.

Anne Milton MP, who is also Minister for Women, was accompanied by Southport Conservative MP, Damien Moore on her tour of the town centre based college.

Their timely visit gave senior staff and governors at the College the opportunity to thank them for the support they have provided for the merger through the Department for Education. It allowed the MPs to see for themselves that the merger is a very positive outcome for the Southport area and will benefit students at both sites.

The combined college offers both academic and technical/vocational qualifications including Apprenticeships and therefore provides an ideal opportunity for students to choose the route that suits them best.  The visitors toured some of the College facilities and had the opportunity to talk to students from both College sites about their chosen study routes and their aspirations for the future.

Anne Milton said of her visit ““It was great to be there on the day the merger finally happened. I know everyone has put a lot of work into this and look forward to seeing it going from strength to strength. I was so impressed by the enthusiasm of the students, who are a credit to themselves and the College.”

Thanking the Minister for attending, Damien said: “I was delighted to welcome Anne up to Southport today. This merger will be a fantastic boost for the region, helping to drive up educational standards and creating more opportunities across the local community.”

Ronnie Fell, Designate Chair of Corporation for the College said “It was excellent to have the opportunity to show the Minister and our local MP the College, recognising the hard work of students and staff that make it such a great place to study. We took the opportunity to impress on the Minister the vital role colleges and 6^th form centres have in providing students with the opportunities to achieve and meet the ever changing skills needs of the regional and national economy.”