Two colleges which plan to merge as early as this summer have launched a public consultation on the proposals.

Barking and Dagenham College and Havering College of Further and Higher Education could combine in August 2017, should the plans be approved.

Following the consultation, which will run until Friday, May 12, the governing bodies of both colleges will take both that and a formal due diligence process into account when making the final decision on the proposals.

In a joint statement, a spokesman for the two colleges said: “We are rightly proud of what we have accomplished as separate colleges.

“Building on our fantastic achievements to date, we aim to create a college which will play a full role in developing the skills and talents of learners and thereby contribute to the future prosperity and the social and economic development of both our own area and the wider London economy.”

“The whole further education sector is under a great deal of scrutiny and this creates both opportunities and risks. We believe that, through merger, we will be in the right place to take advantage of the opportunities in the education and skills sector and manage those risks.”

Both Barking and Dagenham College, which has its main campus in Rush Green, and Havering College, in Ardleigh Green, are currently rated as ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The spokesman added: “We both feel that the creation of a new College will provide an exciting opportunity for developing further education across east London and will also provide the opportunity to enhance our skills offer to young people, adults and employers, becoming an outstanding provider of choice.

“Equally importantly, a merged College will be financially secure and will give us the opportunity to develop our course offer in line with student requirements and Government expectations.

“Whilst we are aiming for a merger date of August 2017, it is important to note that this decision will not affect the enrolment of new students over the summer for courses at either college.”

For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit hbdmerger.info