The remaining assets of Hadlow College and West Kent and Ashford College have been transferred to North Kent College, administrators have confirmed today.
The transfer, which took effect on 15 August, includes all students and education-related facilities of the two colleges, such as Hadlow College’s Princess Christian’s Farm and the equestrian centre in Greenwich, and the Tonbridge campus of West Kent and Ashford College.
A levels: 20% of sixth-form college grades lower than in other years
Insolvency: Break-up of Hadlow College begins
Background: West Kent and Ashford College enters administration
Hadlow College became the first FE institution to go into administration in May 2019. West Kent and Ashford College were placed in administration in August last year. The administration of both colleges was dealt with by DBO.
‘An exciting new chapter’
David Gleed, chief executive and executive principal of North Kent College, said: “We are delighted to welcome the staff and students from Hadlow and West Kent Colleges into a larger college. As we move into this exciting new chapter, it brings with it a wealth of opportunities. We’ve secured course provision for all current and new learners and this is the outcome we have worked exceptionally hard to achieve.
“The union will strengthen the breadth of our curriculum offer and our training provision across Kent and equip students with the skills and knowledge to prepare them for successful careers and further studies.”
Graham Morley, interim principal of Hadlow College and West Kent and Ashford College, said that the transfer had “preserved both colleges’ long-standing heritage”.
He said: “It has preserved both colleges’ long-standing heritage, ensured that specialist land-based education remains within the Garden of England and positively concluded a process that started in February 2019 with the FE commissioner’s intervention and subsequent publication of his report.
“On a personal note, this transfer also brings to a close my involvement with both colleges. It is therefore with sadness that I say goodbye to all the valued colleagues I’ve worked with these last 18 months. The professionalism, dedication and commitment to the learner shown by each of them, despite the many challenges we have faced, has been an inspiration. I wish them every success for the future as they start their new journey with North Kent College.”
