Kent and Greenwich to Form UK’s First ‘Super-University’
In a landmark move, the universities of Kent and Greenwich are merging to create the UK’s first regional “super-university”, which will be named the London and South East University Group. Set to launch in autumn 2026, the combined institution will have nearly 50,000 students, making it one of the largest in the country. Despite operating as a single entity behind the scenes, students will still apply to and graduate from either Kent or Greenwich, and all current courses will continue unchanged.
The merger comes amid growing financial pressure across the sector, with 40% of English universities believed to be in a financial deficit. Kent alone reported a £31 million shortfall last year and has already cut jobs and courses. While university leaders insist the partnership is about resilience and opportunity, the University and College Union called it “a takeover by Greenwich” and warned it “almost certainly” means job losses. Staff have expressed concern about the merger, saying that the announcement feels rushed and that morale is already low.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Harrington, who will lead the new institution, said the goal is to "deliver education without boundaries" and "upskill local people". Acting Kent leader Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura described the merger as “harnessing the combined power of two ambitious universities”. The Office for Students and the Department for Education both welcomed the move, seeing it as a potential model for others facing economic uncertainty.
