THE principal of an agricultural-based college has pledged a "ground-breaking" merger with a city institution that will mean the future of agricultural training is secured.

A proposal for Bicton College in East Devon to form a federation with Exeter College has now gone to public consultation.

The document outlines how Bicton, which this year has a deficit of more than £800,000, could have been faced with closure if it had not teamed up with another institution.

Over the past few years, it has faced problems because of education funding models favouring larger institutions, and the limitations of its estate – it is based in an ageing, listed building, set in a rural park landscape.

Meanwhile, Exeter has reached capacity, and is unlikely to be able to pursue any further expansion because government funding for capital programmes has dried up. The Learning and Skills Council has described the new arrangement as a "merger".

But David Henley, principal of Bicton College, said the "ground-breaking" initiative was very different from conventional mergers, and would benefit each institution.

He gave assurances that Bicton would retain its name and its emphasis on land-based activities, and said: "It will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Exeter College, but will be a legal entity in its own right."

"For some years, Bicton has suffered some financial pressures which cannot be resolved while remaining wholly independent.

"This tackles a difficult situation for Bicton College, and turns it into a fantastic opportunity."

He acknowledged the two institutions were different, but said the arrangement would be "wholly complementary", and would ultimately aim to provide students with greater choice of both tertiary and land-based activities.

And he said the two colleges would benefit both from efficiency savings, and as a joined force in the region.

He said: "We are pursuing the very best option that we can, which is to work with a strong, stable and very good college in the region.

"Together, we will provide an offering which is fit for the city, the coast and the countryside."

The final determination of the merger will be made by the Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary.

People have until Monday, January 4, to express their views about the reorganisation, proposed to take place on Thursday, April 1.

Malcolm Gillespie South West regional director for the Learning and Skills Council said: "The proposal aims to strengthen the services currently offered by the colleges for students and enhance existing facilities and opportunities for future students."

To access the public consultation document, visit http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/lsc/SouthWest/swr-pcdebc- con-dec2009-v1-1.pdf. Responses must be submitted in writing to: John Peart, Partnership Director, Learning and Skills Council, Ground Floor, Richmond Court, Emperor Way, Exeter Business Park, Exeter, EX1 3QS.