Westminster Kingsway and City and Islington Colleges Form New Group

Westminster Kingsway and City and Islington Colleges have merged to form a dynamic and ambitious new Group on 1 August 2016. With a combined enrolment of over 26,500 students and a combined income of £85 million, the two founding colleges will create the largest FE institution in London and be able to lead the reinvigoration of the capital’s evolving further education sector.

The new Group, initially named WKCIC Group, has exciting plans to pool best and developing practice, equip students for sustainable employment, and become the first choice for businesses seeking world class training and professional development.

Andy Wilson, CEO of the Group, said: “Both colleges saw a once in a generation opportunity to consider how we work together and who with. We have been able to take our future into our own hands bringing together our expertise, sharing specialist knowledge and enabling collaboration. 

 “Our intention is to continue using the Westminster Kingsway and City and Islington College brands because they are so successful and well-respected amongst employers, students, schools and our other stakeholders.  In the autumn we will launch our new training company, which will focus on meeting employers training needs.  We are working on a new name for the training company and the overarching group; initially the group will have the legal name of The WKCIC Group.”

City and Islington and Westminster Kingsway have been two of the most successful colleges in recent years. Both have increased student numbers, received OfSTED Good grades under the new Common Inspection Framework, established considerable employer and community networks, achieved financial surpluses and invested heavily in high quality facilities during a period when the further education sector has come under considerable pressure. As they look to be better still, there are common areas where working collaboratively, will support their journey to be ‘Outstanding’ and guarantee excellence in teaching and learning.

Andy said: “Our timing empowers us to lead the reinvigoration of further education in London and beyond. While both colleges are currently making surpluses, two already strong colleges coming together will have more opportunity to invest and respond to the needs of employers making us the first choice for businesses seeking world-class professional, international or commercial programmes, Apprenticeships or bespoke training for their staff.” 

Alastair Da Costa, Chairman of The WKCIC Group, said: “Collaboration between two exceptional colleges has been a bold, strategic and sensible initiative that will increase our impact and leverage further benefits for the communities we serve.”