RADICAL plans for a 'super college' combining students from South Cheshire College, Reaseheath and Malbank would mean a huge change in post-16 education in the district.

South Cheshire College chiefs have revealed they are in talks with Reaseheath College over a proposed £40m move from Crewe to Nantwich.

Their vision is for all post-16 education to take place on one site at Reaseheath, accommodating South Cheshire students, Reaseheath students and Malbank High School's sixth-formers in the 'super college'.

Several developers have expressed an interest in snapping up the South Cheshire College site in Dane Bank Avenue, Crewe.

Surrounded by homes, it is seen as a prime site for residential development. Funds from selling the site would help South Cheshire College to relocate.

In an exclusive interview with the Chronicle, principal David Collins stressed talks were at an early stage but, with all parties agreeing, the move could take place by 2008.

He said: 'We have 3,000 full-time students and 10,000 part-time, with a 5% increase expected in September.

'This site was developed back in 1968, when the student numbers were a quarter of the size and it no longer meets our modern-day needs.

'Research has shown there are no suitable alternative sites in Crewe, which means we can either demolish older buildings on the campus to make way for an extension or move to Reaseheath.

'The move is our preferred option because it would centralise all post-16 education on one world-class site which would be a huge asset to the whole borough of Crewe and Nantwich.'

The education centres would still be known by name but students would share state-of-the-art facilities such as a library and resource centre.

Welcoming the discussions, Reaseheath College principal Meredydd David said: 'The benefits of three 21st Century colleges working together could be huge for students in South Cheshire and beyond. But there must be no compromise. The individual independence of each college is fundamental to this scheme's success.'

Malbank High School and Sixth Form College head Allan Kettleday said: 'The Learning Skills Council and the Government are asking that colleges should think imaginatively about how they can work together to improve opportunities for young people.

'Working with two other prestigious colleges in some way could do just that. But there is no danger of Malbank's identity and independence being lost.'

The future of the sites should be known by the summer, when governors and managers conclude their talks.