STUDENTS will get the chance to quiz education chiefs on plans to merge two colleges.

Barnet College head Marilyn Hawkins and Southgate College principal David Byrne aim to explain more about the merger during a series of lunchtime meetings with students.

Both colleges claim the merger is vital to safeguard the future of higher education in north London as budget cuts are set to total millions of pounds.

In a joint statement, the two principals said: "The proposals to merge the two colleges represent a great opportunity for students and prospective students, staff and the community.

"It would enable us to offer a wider range of education and training packages, even better-suited to the needs of the communities we serve, and, in these tough financial times, offer good value for money, both to students and to the public purse.

"We are committed to ensuring all our stakeholders are able to have their say, including, of course, students and learners at the two colleges."

If the plans are signed off by the Government and governing bodies this summer, the merger could be operating under the banner of Barnet and Southgate College by the start of the new academic year in September.

The public consultation on the plans until March 2, can be viewed by visiting http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/providers/allthelatest/consultations/