Reaseheath College in Nantwich and North Shropshire College are forming a federation which will benefit students, communities and businesses.
Both colleges specialise in land-based subjects and technical and vocational qualifications.
Now bosses feel by working together to combine resources, expertise and reputation, the colleges will build on their strengths.
They believe it will offer a wider and better educational experience to further and higher education students and to apprentices.
It is also hoped a closer collaboration will be positive for local economies.
The federation, which comes into operation this month, follows research by governing bodies from both colleges.
It is receiving support from the Skills Funding Agency.
The colleges will remain independent and retain their own names and campuses within the federation.
But a possible merger in the future has not been ruled out.
Reaseheath Principal Meredydd David said: “This fantastic opportunity will allow both colleges to move forward and to respond together to the challenges and opportunities facing the Further and Higher Education sector.
“Across the country, all colleges are tasked with ‘doing more with less’.
“We have a more important role than ever in supporting young people, local businesses and those seeking employment.
“There are great benefits to two institutions with very similar values, ambitious vision and national reputation for quality, working together.
“This can only benefit stakeholders, staff and students and offers an extremely exciting prospect for the region.”
North Shropshire College Principal Jackie Doodson said: “Our governing body has carried out extensive research and appraised its options rigorously.
“As a result, it has concluded a partnership with Reaseheath College will best secure the long term future of high quality land-based provision for Shropshire along with high quality vocational education and training for Oswestry and rural North Shropshire.
“We will share best practice to improve the quality of provision and facilities, and our strengthened financial sustainability and resilience will enable us to grow the number and range of HE and FE courses we offer.”
(Pic: Reaseheath Principal Meredydd David and Chair of Governors Richard Ratcliffe with North Shropshire College Principal Jackie Doodson and Chair of Governors Gillian Richards)
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