COLLEGES in Bolton and Bury could merge with the University of Bolton as part of a shake-up of post-16 education.

Both Bolton College and Bury College have confirmed that talks are taking place about future plans for a link-up as part of major reform of education.

The Bolton News has learned that proposals have been put have been put forward by Bury College to explore the option of merging with the university — and Bolton College has confirmed that it is in talks.

Bolton College has confirmed it is in talks with the university as part of the area review.

A spokesman for Bolton College said: “We are in discussions with the University of Bolton regarding an educational solution that works for Bolton, building on the strengths of the education zone.”

Charlie Deane, principal of Bury College, said: "Bury College has had an excellent working relationship with the University of Bolton for many years, particularly through developing and expanding our wide range of higher education courses.

"We have taken advantage of the area review process to further develop and strengthen this relationship.

"More details will begin to take shape as our discussions, proposals and consultations with stakeholders evolve.

"Our overriding goal remains to ensure positive benefits, outcomes and success for our students and the communities we serve.”

Bosses at Bury College said that they are looking at "strengthening the relationship" with the university — and an email states "the Corporation of Bury College, including both staff and governors, have agreed unanimously to commence formal consultation, including due diligence on the preferred option which is merger with the University of Bolton".

Twenty-one further education and sixth form colleges in Greater Manchester are among the first to be looked at as part of the nationwide review to create "fewer, often larger, more resilient and efficient providers" in light of a shrinking 16-19-years-old population and as part of its austerity programme.

The University of Bolton, which is not part of the review, welcomed the proposals by Bury College saying it already worked closely with both colleges.

A University of Bolton spokesperson said: "A full review of college provision is underway across Greater Manchester.

"The university is not of course part of this review. However, we work closely with Bury College which offers some of our degree courses on its campus. The University welcomes the current proposals by the college to consider joining forces with the university, not least to strengthen opportunities for learners to gain even greater access to educational opportunities, including, higher education.

"The university also welcomes the commitment by Bolton College to working with us to provide a solution to further strengthen the education zone."