A SOUTHAMPTON college could form a new academy trust if new plans go ahead.

Teachers at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College have put forward proposals to join forces with a college in Gosport to form a multi-academy trust.

Leaders at the Hill Lane site said they have been assessing “their strategic options for the future”, and said they “firmly believe that this move would help to protect and enhance their quality of teaching and broad-ranging curriculum.”

Management said: “Students at both colleges would benefit significantly from pooled resources and knowledge as well as added investment, made possible through joint economies of scale in areas such as purchasing, as well as the VAT exemption awarded to academies.”

Should the proposal go ahead, the trust would be known as the Lighthouse Learning Trust with Matt Atkinson, principal of St Vincent College and former deputy principal of Richard Taunton, becoming CEO.

Alice Wrighton, principal of Richard Taunton, would be his deputy and David Jenkinson, deputy principal of St Vincent College, would be the chief financial officer.

Both Matt and Alice would retain their roles as principals and their students would continue to study at their existing campus locations.

Alice Wrighton said: “I am very excited by the prospect of forming a multi-academy trust. This move would increase levels of achievement, support growth and innovation and ensure that all young people in both communities continue to have access to first-class education, regardless of background or circumstances. We believe that an exciting future awaits us.”

Both colleges are entering a consultation period where they will be inviting staff, students and parents to share their views on the proposal.

Governors of both colleges will take the feedback into account before deciding.

If approved, the trust would later seek to extend membership to similar local schools and colleges who operate in a way that aligns with their shared values.

As reported in April this year, government inspectors said Richard Taunton “requires improvement” in management, quality of teaching, outcomes for pupils and 16-19 study programmes.