PLANS to save a cashstrapped Hampshire college from closure by merging it with a neighbouring further education centre are a step closer today.

Bosses at Totton College are in talks to try and forge a rescue deal which could secure its future.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo the college will not be financially viable past this year if it does not take drastic action to solve the cash crisis.

Minister for skills Nick Boles has written to the college urging it to take immediate action after a series of damning financial reports.

Now the college is in talks over a potential merger with Eastleigh College to ease its woes.

Totton College and its appointed consultants the Education Funding Agency (EFA) are expected to announce their preferred partner to the full Board of Governors today.

Potential partners will then be notified of the decision before arrangements secure a potential merger are announced on August 1.

The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) is also involved in drawing up a deal.

The Calmore Road college has around 1,000 16-19-year-old students studying a range of vocational course including maths, humanities, performing arts, sports, hairdressing and media, plus 2,000 adult learners.

A college spokeswoman said: “We are working with EFA appointed consultants to support the college through this merger process.

Daily Echo:

Minister for skills Nick Boles

There is now a process in place which will lead to the appointment of a preferred provider.”

“In the meantime, the college continues to ensure we successfully deliver the current courses and we plan for the courses that are in demand to still be available in September 2015.

Partnership “It’s important to highlight that any partnership will maximise the offer available at Totton College, and meeting student’s needs will absolutely be at the heart of any decisions around this in the future.”

According to the colleges own projected figures the monthly cash shortfalls rise from £160,000 in January to over £1m in March 2015.

Moves to stabilise the immediate position include bringing forward its payments from the Education Funding Agency, increasing in its bank overdraft and introducing new cost saving measures.

But longer term, the college has been advised to merge with another further education provider.

Eastleigh College, in Chestnut Avenue, has 1,320 post-16 sixth formers, 300 16-18 apprentices, and further apprenticeship and adult learning facilities catering for more 18,400 people.

A college spokeswoman said it was too early to disclose full details of any negotiations, but added: “There are still lots of things that need to be confirmed.”

A spokesman for EFA said: “We are working with Totton College to agree a solution that is in the best interests of its students and the community.”

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