Two universities in England, Kent and Greenwich, have confirmed plans to merge in autumn 2026, and together form what is being hailed as the UK’s first “super university”, provisionally named the London and South East University Group. Under the arrangement, both institutions will preserve their individual names, courses and campus identities, yet share a unified governing body, executive team and lead vice-chancellor, who will be Professor Jane Harrington of Greenwich.

It is intended that this consolidation will create one of the country’s largest higher education organisations, with a student population comparable to Manchester in scale, drawing from around 46,000 to nearly 50,000 students depending on the source. In particular, Greenwich brings almost 30,000 students and Kent around 17,000. The hope is that joining forces will strengthen their financial foundations at a time when approximately 40 percent of English universities are in deficit, due largely to falling international student numbers and frozen tuition fees.

Regulatory and governmental bodies have welcomed the move. The Office for Students has endorsed the innovation, suggesting it signals a model more universities may adopt. The Department for Education similarly praised collaborative approaches as essential for ensuring sustainable, high quality education. Universities UK, representing the sector, called it a striking example of creative and radical collaboration.

Not everyone is convinced. The University and College Union (UCU) warned the move could amount to a takeover by Greenwich, claiming Kent was already on the brink of insolvency. Its general secretary, Jo Grady, stated:

“If today’s announcement is indicative of how the government intends to deal with financial instability in the sector we should all be worried."

Grady also raised fears of job losses and instability for staff and students. Institutional leaders stress the merger is not hostile. Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, acting vice chancellor at Kent, said this collaboration will let both institutions remain distinct while uniting strengths. Professor Jane Harrington emphasised the longstanding partnership at Medway and the shared mission of delivering “education without boundaries, from city to coast” and contributing to regional economy and communities.

For students, the change will be almost invisible. Applications, enrolments and degree titles will remain tied to each university’s name, and students currently enrolled, or starting this autumn, are assured they can complete their courses with no disruption.

No immediate job losses have been announced, though both institutions are already taking measures to reduce costs. Greenwich confirmed earlier this year it would cut the equivalent of 15 full time posts by August. Kent is winding down some programmes after recording another financial deficit in 2024. It is expected that savings will come through reducing senior roles and restructuring back office operations.

This merger marks a significant shift in UK higher education landscapes. Previously, mergers have been limited to specialist institutions or college clusters. Here, a broad based model covering a full range of subjects across a wide geography signals a watershed moment. There is a high possibilty that many eyes across the sector will watch closely to see whether this becomes a blueprint for financial resilience and bold collaboration in the years ahead.