Why This Research Matters
Across the United Kingdom, over 190 college merger events have reshaped the further education landscape in recent years. This report examines one such merger — between Bsix Sixth Form College and New City College in Hackney — to reveal the human cost of corporate education models.
Through rigorous community-led research, Account Hackney and The Black Curriculum investigated how financial austerity, corporate management practices, and institutional racism converge to harm marginalised students, particularly migrants, asylum-seekers, and young people with special educational needs.
How the Research Was Conducted
Qualitative Research
Over 25 students, parents, and staff took part in joint conversations and in-person interviews, sharing their lived experiences of the merger.
Quantitative Surveys
87 students and 25 staff members completed comprehensive surveys covering six key themes: finance, student support, SEN, culture, race, and accountability.
Focus Areas
Financial constraints, migrant and asylum-seeking students, special educational needs, cultural shifts, racial relations, and broken trust and accountability.
Six Critical Findings
Financial Strain & Irrational Decision-Making
The merger was driven by dwindling financial resources rather than educational strategy. Austerity measures forced institutions into financially motivated decisions that prioritised short-term survival over long-term student welfare. Staff motivation suffered as resources were redistributed, and experienced teachers departed.
Migrant & Asylum-Seeking Students at Risk
Bsix had established itself as a crucial support system for migrant and asylum-seeking students, providing tailored assistance that recognised the unique challenges these young people face. Under New City College management, these specialised support structures came under threat, leaving the most vulnerable without institutional backing.
Erosion of Special Needs & Mental Health Support
Bsix had developed strong inclusive initiatives for students with learning needs, offering second chances and robust mental health support. Corporatisation disrupted these carefully built systems. Participants described a shift from a 'people-first' ethos to a 'numbers-first' approach that treated students as metrics rather than individuals.
Attack on Diverse Pedagogy & Community Culture
What was framed as a 'merger' functioned in practice as a takeover. Bsix's distinctive culture — characterised by strong staff-student relationships, community engagement, and culturally responsive teaching — was systematically dismantled. Diverse pedagogical approaches that had made Bsix successful with Black and minoritised students were dismissed as incompatible with New City College's corporate model.
Racial Disproportionality & Institutional Racism
The merger exacerbated existing patterns of institutional racism. Bsix had provided targeted support for ethnic minority students, recognising that systemic barriers required intentional intervention. These ethnic support initiatives were broken down under New City College management, with Black and minoritised students bearing the brunt of reduced services.
Broken Trust & Lack of Accountability
Students and staff reported false promises from New City College management — assurances that support systems would be maintained even as they were being dismantled. A 'numbers over needs' mentality prioritised enrolment figures and financial metrics over educational outcomes, with no meaningful mechanisms to challenge decisions or hold leadership accountable.
What was framed as a merger functioned in practice as a takeover — the systematic dismantling of an educational ecosystem that served as a lifeline for students failed by other parts of the system.
— Microscope Into Society, Account Hackney & The Black Curriculum, 2026
Seven Demands for Change
Equality Impact Assessments
Educational providers must conduct periodic equality impact assessments to identify and address disproportionate harm to marginalised groups during institutional changes.
Diversified Assessment Content
Ofqual should ensure that assessment content reflects diverse cultural perspectives and does not disadvantage students from minoritised backgrounds.
Local Authority Curriculum Influence
Empower local authorities with meaningful influence over curriculum and course planning to ensure education remains responsive to community needs rather than corporate priorities.
Devolved Funding
Devolve further education funding back to local authorities to reduce the financial pressures that force mergers and allow for more sustainable, community-centred educational provision.
Anti-Discriminatory Community Hubs
The Greater London Authority should develop anti-discriminatory, sub-regional, community-centred hubs that support students from marginalised backgrounds across institutional boundaries.
Campus-Level Outcome Data
Ensure further education colleges submit detailed campus-level outcome data to enable proper monitoring of how institutional changes affect different student populations.
Pre-Merger Restrictions
Implement restrictions and oversight mechanisms before mergers proceed to protect student welfare and ensure financial considerations do not override educational responsibilities.