FURTHER education colleges in Southend, Basildon and Grays are likely to merge into a huge new super-college with nearly 20,000 students and 1,200 staff.

The decision to push for a merger of Thurrock and Basildon College and South East Essex College has been confirmed at a board meeting, Thurrock and Basildon College is based on sites in Nethermayne, Basildon, and Woodview, Grays ,and also has centres on Canvey and at Lakeside.

If the move wins Government approval, it would merge with the Southend college by the start of the 2009 academic year.

Thurrock and Basildon College has a history of failing. Governors have been looking at the best way to provide vocational education in the Thames Gateway area.

A merger was agreed as the only way forward - with South East Essex College, based in Luker Road, Southend, the most suitable partner.

Detailed plans will now be drawn up to cover practical and administrative aspects of the merger.

Thurrock and Basildon College has 5,000 post-secondary school students and more than 300 permanent staff.

South East Essex College has 12,000 students on its books and 900 staff. It is not yet clear if the merger will mean redundancies.

Felicity Rayman, spokesman for Thurrock and Basildon College, said staff would be transferred to the new college, but added: "It is too early to comment on management structures."

Chairman of Thurrock and Basildon College's governors Richard Launder said: "We believe a merger with South East Essex College is the key to unlocking the expansion of quality vocational learning in Thurrock, Basildon and throughout the Thames Gateway."

Principal Denise Fielding added: "This will be the best way to make the most of our outstanding strengths, specialisms and quality improvements.

"It positions us to most effectively serve the skills and learning needs of everyone in the wider community, and is in the best interests of students. As a major employer, we will remain a key player in the local economy, worth more than £30million a year."

Consultations will not be held about the merger plans, resting with the Secretary of State for the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham.

Asked to explain the merger, college spokesman Felicity Rayman added: "In line with curriculum strategy, this presents the best opportunities to meet learners and employers in South Essex, Basildon and Thurrock.

"The college merged from the former two colleges in Basildon and Thurrock in 2001. The merger has been very positive and results and achievements considerable.

"The agenda now needs to move on, as part of a vision and ambition for the Thames Gateway to improve local opportunities for local people."

South East Essex College declined to comment on the merger