STUDENTS could soon be heading for the new Gower College Swansea.

This is the name selected for the new institution which will be formed when Swansea and Gorseinon colleges merge.

Though the merger has yet to be formally approved by the Assembly, bosses at both colleges have been busy making plans for the academic get-together —and that has included coming-up with a new name.

They said the name Gower had been included as a nod to the region's history, when the ancient Lordship of Gower covered a large part of what is now the county of Swansea.

And they said the name would be recognised not only around Britain, but internationally too.

The Assembly is expected to give the plan the green light next month, paving the way for the creation of the second biggest college in Wales, with some 16,000 students.

Visit our Education Website

In a joint statement, the principals of both colleges, Jeff Gunningham from Swansea and Nick Bennett from Gorseinon, said: "We are delighted that the name which has been chosen for the new college heralds an exciting future for learners in Swansea, whilst acknowledging the history of the region in which we are based."

Throughout the consultation on the merger, bosses have stressed that they want to preserve the unique identities of both institutions.

Under the merger, Gorseinon College would keep its Belgrave Road base and be a sixth form centre, while Swansea College would move to a new campus in Parc Tawe in the city centre and focus on vocational courses up to degree level, open to learners of all ages.

It is expected Gower College Swansea will formally come into being on August 1.