Merger Talk in Further Education: of Whales and Minnows, Rhetoric and Reality

This Chapter examines the phenomenon of college merger from the point of view of 11 FE and sixth form college Principals in two English regions, all of whom had direct experience of leading mergers and merged institutions, or led colleges in close proximity and competition with them. Using metaphor to signpost critical themes and issues, the author identifies key drivers for merger, perceived benefits and drawbacks, and points to the centrality of effective and transformative leadership in steering educational organisations through hard times. The Chapter will be of interest to all who work in merged colleges as well as those planning to merge.