A SOUTHAMPTON sixth form is set to become the first in the region to convert into an academy in partnership with another college.

Richard Taunton Sixth Form College could convert to a multi-academy trust with St Vincent College in Gosport as soon as next September if the plans go ahead.

If approved, the move will see a both sites retain their independence in their day to day operations but will see a merging of other services including areas like human resources, management support and property services.

The two colleges will be operating within the government’s ‘Multi Academy Trust’ framework, which is in principal the same arrangement as schools operate under when they convert into academies.

It also means that, like schools, they will be exempt from paying 20 per cent VAT.

"We are really excited about this opportunity.

"As we are the first colleges in the South to set out to develop a Sixth Form College Multi Academy Trust framework, we will be defining our own unique working model.

"Each college will maintain its independent identity, provision and assets, within a partnership based on shared values and strong ambition," said Alice Wrighton, the Principal of Richard Taunton College.

"We believe that what the governors of both colleges have agreed to secure a bright future for both colleges.

"It ensures that, looking forward, young people in our communities will continue to have access to even stronger, high quality, innovative, locally-based sixth form college education.

The Principal of St Vincent College, Matt Atkinson, who previously worked at Richard Taunton College said: “We will be saving money from shared administration, improved efficiency and being exempt from VAT, providing more investment for teaching and student support services.

"This may seem to some like a bold move, but we can assure all our existing and future students that neither college will be changing its name, location or provision."

The move has also been welcomed by Hampshire education boss Peter Edgar who said the partnership would benefit future students by continuing to provide a diverse range of academic and vocational courses to meet the growing demand.

Ms Wrighton said the move would not result in any redundancies and both her and Mr Atkinson would remain in post for the foreseeable future.

She added that once established the partnership could expand to include more sixth forms and schools.

A period of consultation has now been launched.

If approved, there will be a programme of conversion with the earliest changes being brought into effect at the start of the academic year in September 2017.