Langside College enters Cardonald merger talks as principal names the date

LANGSIDE College will join merger talks with Cardonald College and Anniesland College, it has been announced.

By Angela Haggerty 

THE news came as Cardonald College Glasgow principal, Susan Walsh, named the date Cardonald and Anniesland colleges are working towards for the merger.

“What we are looking at in terms of our vesting stage is August 1 2013,” Walsh said. “I think it’s good that Langside’s board have taken a measured approach and reached a very sound decision and I know that the chairs of Cardonald and Anniesland are very pleased that Langside are coming into the merger discussions. I think a merger is highly likely.”

Cardonald College, on Glasgow’s southside, has a student body of 12,000 each year while Langside College plays host to 10,000 people each year. Anniesland College, in the city’s west end, teaches 8,000 students.

Chair of the Board of management at Langside College, Brian Keegan, said: “This decision has not been taken lightly. The board is confident that the views of all staff and those of the students have been sought prior to reaching this decision.

“Our expectation is that this proposed merger will be based upon providing a sustainable curriculum which is open to all, is flexible, learner centred and focused on jobs and growth.”

Shaping the future

Cardonald College Glasgow and Anniesland College entered merger talks in November last year, and Walsh believes it is up to the colleges to take control of their future.

“I think it’s about us taking charge of our own destiny. We can shape the future and we’re glad Langside have joined us in talks.”

Graeme Hyslop, OBE, Principal of Langside College, said: “With impending reductions in core funding, it is essential to collaborate with our fellow institutions to ensure an adequate and appropriate educational and training provision is maintained.

“The new college will aim to ensure the maximum impact within its communities in the south and west of Glasgow. These are areas where educational under-achievement and disadvantage sit alongside ambitions to heighten the knowledge and skills of the local community for the benefit of both individual and the economy.”