Plans have been announced to explore merging Bromley College and Greenwich College due to financial difficulties the latter is in.

Students enrolling for the 2015/16 academic year will not be affected by the proposals to join Bromley College of Further and Higher Education, based off Rookery Lane, and Greenwich Community College, based off Plumstead Road.

The Corporation of Greenwich Community College agreed to plans at the end of July to pursue a merger between the colleges due to the ‘difficult financial situation’ Greenwich College is in.

The move comes after a Structure and Prospects Appraisal (SPA) which was demanded by the further education (FE) commissioner in a report earlier this year.

Any final decision will be subject to the approval of the governing body of Bromley College and a public consultation Greenwich College will hold.

MORE TOP STORIES The acting chair of Greenwich Community College, Richard Bourne, said: “The Corporation are satisfied that the proposal presented by Bromley College at the SPA meeting offers the best long term opportunity for FE learners in Greenwich now and in the future.”

Greenwich College is one of the smallest colleges in the country with an annual turnover of less than £10 million.

Roger Dawe, chair of Bromley College, said: “Taking into account the increasing challenges the further education sector faces, we need to look seriously at opportunities like this. It makes good sense. We need to ensure these challenges are met and fully realise the opportunities they bring.

“Many steps remain to be taken before this proposal becomes finalised and a merger takes place. However, following Greenwich’s decision I am pleased that the process is moving forward and in the right direction on this potentially exciting collaboration.”