Ystrad Mynach College and Coleg Morgannwg have revealed plans to merge following talks.
Consultation on the merger has begun and if approved, the equal merger will take place in August 2013.
The merged college would serve around 20,000 students and would have five primary locations at Nantgarw, Ystrad Mynach, Llwynypia, Aberdare and Rhymney.
Writing in the merger consultation document, Peter James, chairman of governors at Coleg Morgannwg, and Ystrad Mynach chair Liz James, said: “Between January and June 2012 the Governing Bodies of both Coleg Morgannwg and Ystrad Mynach College agreed to undertake a feasibility exercise to examine a number and type of strategic options which could be available to the two institutions as they considered building closer links which could result in a merger.
“Following the completion of this exercise by independent educational consultants and due consideration of the recommendations, Coleg Morgannwg and Ystrad Mynach College Governing Bodies have agreed to begin the process of working towards a merger.
“It has been agreed that the merger is a merger of equals, and this will be reflected in the composition and constitution of the governing body of the merged institution.
“We would therefore welcome your comments and views on the proposed reorganisation
before we finalise our plans. “
If the decision is made to proceed with the merger following consultation the necessary documentation will be submitted to the Welsh Government in May 2013.
Bryn Davies, principle of Ystrad Mynach College, said: “This merger is a positive move for students and staff alike. The colleges are both successful on the academic and financial fronts.
“The type of work undertaken by the colleges complements each other and, because of this, we can work together to maintain and increase the range of courses offered to students.
“The merger is also in line with the Welsh Government’s proposals to reduce the number of colleges in Wales.
“The partnership between The College Ystrad Mynach and Coleg Morgannwg will provide a better service for students and for communities alike.”
For more information on the merger visit www.ystrad-mynach.ac.uk/merger
Ystrad Mynach College previously held talks with Coleg Gwent about a possible merger.