Case study: University of Greenwich and University of Kent merger

The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent announced their intention to pursue a merger in September 2025.

In February 2026, the universities confirmed that they had legally committed to the merger by exchanging contracts. The merger is expected to complete on 1 August 2026.

This new collaboration builds on a longstanding partnership between the two universities delivering provision at the shared Medway campus.

The approach

The universities are the first to pursue what they are describing as a new ‘multi-university trust’ model, in which there is one legal (and OfS-registered) entity, but multiple academic divisions.

Following the merger, London and South East University Group (abbreviated as ‘LASEUG’ and ‘LASE’) will operate two distinct academic trading arms, continuing the provision currently delivered by the merger partners. Students will be registered with LASE though they will continue to apply to, study at and receive degrees in the name of the academic trading arm.

This innovative model has the potential to allow other providers to join the multi-university trust over time as other academic divisions. Each division would retain its own branding (subject to any necessary approvals), while sharing services and resources across the group to maximise efficiency and reduce costs.

How the OfS supported the institutions

The OfS has worked collaboratively with the universities on the various regulatory questions that have arisen through this process, clarifying what is possible and working proactively on any challenges this novel approach has highlighted.

This has included working with the providers on the legal name change process and confirming the position in relation to the award of degrees by LASE in the names of the academic trading arms.

To ensure clarity for students and stakeholders, following the merger, we expect degree certificates to include the provider’s legal name alongside the name of the academic division. We have published further details about the name change.

The Department for Education has consented to the use of the trading names ‘University of Kent (part of LASEUG)’ and 'University of Greenwich (part of LASEUG)'. It notes that following the merger it must be clear in the provider’s governing documents and to students that the academic trading arms are part of London and South East University Group.

The OfS has also supported the providers in deciding how students should be represented in data returns attributable to Kent or Greenwich in the future. We have also agreed an approach to navigating Teaching Excellence Framework and access and participation plans transitions following the merger.