Cheshire College – South & West and Macclesfield College have formally become one organisation after completing their legal merger.

The newly merged college will now serve more than 15,000 learners each year, including more than 6,000 young people, around 1,500 apprentices and thousands of adult learners.

Now one of the largest further education colleges in England, the college is supported by approximately 900 staff, an annual income of almost £80 million and a geographical footprint covering 750 square miles.

The merger follows a public consultation and an extensive period of planning and due diligence. The colleges said the move will help expand opportunities for learners, strengthen links with employers and create a more sustainable organisation for the future.

Operating under the banner of "Stronger Together", the merged college brings together the experience and expertise of both institutions, including their specialist courses, employer partnerships and industry links.

The college works with more than 1,500 employers across local, regional and national networks and said the merger will help it continue to address skills gaps and support businesses across the region.

Learners are expected to benefit from a wider range of courses, improved progression routes, continued investment in facilities and technology, and stronger connections with employers.

Lesley Davies, chair of corporation, said: "This merger is the result of many months of careful planning, rigorous due diligence and meaningful consultation, all with one clear objective: creating the best possible future for our learners, staff and employers.

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"By bringing together the expertise, resources and ambitions of Cheshire College – South & West and Macclesfield College, we have created an organisation that is better equipped to respond to evolving skills needs while continuing to deliver exceptional education and training across Cheshire."

Jasbir Dhesi OBE, Principal and Chief Executive, said: "Both colleges have proud histories, strong reputations and a deep commitment to serving their communities.

"By bringing our organisations together, we are building on those strengths to create even greater opportunities for learners, apprentices, employers and our wider communities."

Learners will continue their studies as normal, with the merger designed to enhance opportunities while ensuring a smooth transition.