Cheshire College – South and West and Macclesfield College Officially Merge

Today marks a major milestone for education and skills across Cheshire as Cheshire College - South & West and Macclesfield College formally become one organisation, following the successful completion of their legal merger.

The newly merged College now serves more than 15,000 learners each year, including over 6,000 young people, around 1,500 apprentices and thousands of adult learners.  Supported by approximately 900 staff, with an annual income of almost £80 million and covering a geographical area of 750sq miles, making it one of the largest further education colleges in England.  The strengthened organisation will play a leading role in developing the skilled workforce needed to support economic growth across the region and beyond. 

The merger follows a successful public consultation and an extensive period of planning and due diligence.  It reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for learners, responding to the evolving needs of employers and creating a financially strong, resilient and sustainable college for the future.

Operating under the banner of Stronger Together, the new organisation brings together the expertise and heritage of both colleges.  By combining specialist curriculum expertise, established employer partnerships and strong industry links, the College is well placed to deliver the skills, training and innovation needed to support learners, businesses and local communities.  Working in partnership with more than 1,500 employers across local, regional and national networks, the College will play an even greater role in developing the talent pipeline, addressing skills gaps and supporting economic growth.

Learners will benefit from broader curriculum choice, enhanced progression pathways, continued investment in industry-standard facilities and technology, and even stronger links with employers and industry partners.  Together, these developments will ensure learners gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to succeed while helping meet the current and future workforce.

Lesley Davies, Chair of Corporation, said:

"Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our colleges and the communities we serve.  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.

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.

This merger enables us to broaden our curriculum, strengthen our partnerships with employers and continue investing in the facilities, expertise and opportunities that help people to succeed.  Together, we will play an even greater role in supporting economic growth and meeting the future skills needs of Cheshire and beyond.”

Learners can expect continuity throughout their studies, with the merger designed to enhance opportunities while ensuring a seamless transition.

Building on the proud histories of both colleges, the new organisation begins this exciting chapter with a shared ambition to deliver outstanding education, support economic growth and create life-changing opportunities for learners, employers and communities across Cheshire for years to come.

• Cheshire College – South & West and Macclesfield College formally merged on 1 August 2026.
• The merger followed an extensive programme of due diligence, strategic planning and public consultation.
• The merger has been developed under the theme "Stronger Together", reflecting the shared vision and collective strengths of both institutions.