Morley College lines up merger with Kensington & Chelsea College

Founded in 1889 as the Morley Memorial College for Working Men and Women, Morley College has deep roots in Waterloo.

The governing bodies of Morley College London and Kensington and Chelsea College this week confirmed that they are working towards a merger which would lead to the colleges joining together as Morley College London, with three main centres in North Kensington, Chelsea and Waterloo.

Stuart Edwards, chair of Governors of Morley College London, said: "Morley College London and Kensington and Chelsea share the same values.

"We are committed to the learning needs of our local communities. Both colleges have a proud record of serving learners in their boroughs and beyond. This heritage is greatly respected and will be built upon for the future, with investment and new courses to meet people's aspirations for personal development and career success.

"We believe that by working together we can offer an educational framework within which community aspirations can be fostered."

Whereas Morley is focused on adult education, the centres at North Kensington and at Chelsea will provide courses for 16-18 year-olds as well as adults.

Andrew Gower, Principal of Morley, said: "In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, we recognise and respect the longstanding special significance of the college centre at Wornington Road for local residents.

"We are committed to ensuring the centres at North Kensington, Chelsea and Waterloo reflect the needs of the communities they serve. The merged college will deliver a major contribution to each objective of the Mayor's Skills for Londoners Strategy, ensuring the needs of the local communities are met by a responsive and growing curriculum offer.

"We are committed to 16 to 18 provision, and will look to grow the offer at North Kensington Centre on Wornington Road, and consult widely with the local community as an essential part of the merger process."