Bromley could soon be taking over the running of Bexley College, following its merger with the failing Greenwich facility which was blighted by “financial difficulties” and an ‘inadequate’ Ofsted rating.

From August 1, all three establishments would be led by principal Sam Parrett and part of the Bromley College Group, which would have a combined turnover of £48m.

Bromley’s takeover of Greenwich Community College (GCC) came into play mid-way through this academic year, on January 1.

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Ofsted rated GCC ‘inadequate’ on February 23 and Bromley College welcomed the announcement despite the fact the inspection took place on January 19, two and a half weeks after they took over.

GCC was panned in almost every category with a damning report which criticised the standard of teaching, pupil performance in maths and English, employment prospects for those leaving college, the slow pace on advanced courses and low teacher expectations.

The college had 2,770 pupils at the time.

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GCC's Plumstead campus

However inspectors did praise members of staff for how they helped vulnerable pupils, the safe learning environment, and the quality of catering, sports, and hair and beauty courses.

The report also said new management arrangements were already leading to improvements.

Meanwhile a proposed Bromley and Bexley College merger was formally announced last Tuesday.

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Chair of Bromley College Roger Dawe said: “Together with Greenwich and Bexley, we can now establish the highest quality of vocational education, apprenticeships and training across our three neighbouring boroughs.”

Bexley College has now entered a formal consultation period and pupils, staff and parents have until April 29 to have their say. Email: mergerconsultation@bexley.ac.uk.