There is full confidence that a West Cumbrian college will continue to thrive on its own following the collapse of a mooted merger.

Principal Chris Nattress believes Lakes College, at Lillyhall, near Workington, will continue to go from strength to strength despite a decision by Carlisle College not to merge with it.

Lakes College is playing a major part in the creation of the new National College for Nuclear northern hub headquarters in West Cumbria.

It is also continuing to expand its own further education and apprenticeships for learners.

Mr Nattress said: “Lakes College enjoys a very strong financial position, excellent up-to-date resources and facilities and, in addition to other developments, will launch the National College for Nuclear northern hub next autumn.

“We have high and growing apprenticeship provision, an FE and technical offer, and excellent learner satisfaction rates from our higher education students, which place us in the top 10 per cent of providers and universities in the country.

“Our excellent relations with employers and organisations in our area mean we anticipate significant growth in employment and training needs over the next five years and beyond, in part linked to the Moorside development.”

The merger of north Cumbria’s two colleges was one of five recommendations to come out of a government-led review of further education across the county which aims to make the FE sector more sustainable and efficient.

Carlisle College’s corporation board – its governors – have instead opted to pursue a merger with Newcastle-based NCG which it states will offer greater benefits and autonomy compared with the Cumbrian deal.

Other recommendations in the recently-published Cumbria Area Review which are set to go forward include a new joint venture between FE colleges and the University of Cumbria.