FAQs for Loughborough College and SMB College Group Merger

1. How can we keep in touch with the progress of the merger?
   • Please keep an eye on the Loughborough College and SMB College Group websites for updates and news
      
2. How many students would the merger affect?
   • Loughborough College has approximately 11,000 students
   • SMB College Group have around 3,500 students across their three campuses
      
3. How will this merger affect students over the 2024-25 academic year?
   • The plans will ensure a minimal amount of disruption for students who will continue to experience a high level of academic and pastoral support across both organisations.
      
4. How will you ensure the quality and reputation of the College is maintained?
   • We are extremely proud of the College’s reputation and believe we can maintain this through the high quality of teaching and learning through a Stronger Together approach. This will be delivered through:
     • Maintaining our student-first approach, with more investment planned to improve the student experience.
     • A strong foundation of leadership and governance, which provides transparent communication, processes and policies, and a clear vision.
        
5. What do you see for the future of the merger?
   • We see this merger:
     • Prioritising high-level investment on student experience
     • Positioning us as sector leaders in multiple curriculum areas
     • Attaining and maintaining high levels of staff satisfaction
     • Contributing to the economy and high-level skills
        
6. What investment will be brought into the area if the merger goes ahead?
   • Both organisations are already committed to bringing significant investment in their campuses, including more than £35m worth of investment at Loughborough College and a £20m investment at SMB College Group’s Brooksby campus. This merger will help to strengthen those plans.
   • As a high-performing college, we will continue to look for investment opportunities to strengthen our offering.
      
7. How long is the consultation period?
   • There will be a period of consultation and the timing of this is yet to be determined.
      

Please note - this page will be updated as and when we know more about the proposed merger.