‘South Thames College’ confirmed as new name for merged local Colleges

Combining the best of STC & Merton College to serve the educational needs of the surrounding communities

Last week, the Governors met to discuss the name for the newly-merged College. Reviewing extensive research conducted among students and stakeholders from Merton and Wandsworth, combined with a study of where our students come from, the decision has been taken to retain the name ‘South Thames College’ for the new merged organisation and to develop a new corporate identity for the combined college. This will deliberately bring together elements from both existing logo’s to reflect the merged organisation.

Several positive reasons for this include:

• The name is familiar to the students and stakeholders, including the vast majority of those from Merton.
• The name allows the combined College to build on its reputation for excellence
• It reflects the geographical connection with the ‘Thames’ and with ‘London’ which is important to both our regional and international profile
• The student intake is evenly spread among seven boroughs, not just Merton and Wandsworth, therefore the name ‘South Thames College’ accurately reflects the communities we serve.

A revised logo is currently being designed.  This will continue to include the words ‘incorporating Merton College’ below the South Thames name, to help those familiar with the Merton brand to understand the transition. We will, however, have a single, strong identity which will be unveiled shortly.

November 26, 2009