NORTH East Worcestershire College and Worcester College of Technology have set out to win the heart of learners across the county as their new name ‘Heart of Worcestershire College’ has been approved by the recently appointed Skills Minister, Nick Boles.

Heart of Worcestershire College will be operational from August 1 and will become one of the largest Further Education colleges in the county.

The college will have a turnover of some £40 million, with approximately 10,000 full time learners.

Stuart Laverick , principal and chief executive of Heart of Worcestershire College, said: “We are extremely pleased that the new name Heart of Worcestershire College has been approved by the Skills Minister Nick Boles.

"Although finding a suitable name has not been easy, we believe that this name truly reflects the values of the new organisation.

"We are fiercely loyal to the residents and businesses within Worcestershire and are dedicated to providing relevant education and training to meet their needs.

"We will become one of the largest employers in Worcestershire, and through our outstanding partnerships with local organisations such as the LEP, local councils and local businesses, we are in a prime position to support the growth of the local economy. Over the next few years, we will work tirelessly to make Worcestershire proud of the standard of education and training provided by Heart of Worcestershire College."

He said that the OFSTED grading of ‘good’ is a key recognition of the high standard of work and positive progression opportunities that both North East Worcestershire College and Worcester College of Technology are currently providing students across the county.

"The merger is a key element in our drive to deliver outstanding qualifications and progression opportunities for a large number of students across many technical and vocational disciplines,” he added.