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Statement from St Mary’s Vice–Chancellor, Dr Arthur Naylor:
“Heythrop College, University of London and St Mary’s University, Twickenham have entered discussions about a possible strategic partnership.
“St Mary’s and Heythrop College have a good relationship based on past collaboration and a shared identity as Catholic academic institutions in London. Together they have more than 500 years of history in higher education.
“The potential partnership was discussed at a meeting of the St Mary’s Board of Governors on 3rd July. The Governors voted that St Mary’s should now begin detailed talks regarding a future partnership with Heythrop.
“Both institutions have agreed to examine the issues involved in a partnership in full over the coming weeks. Following these internal processes, a report will be delivered to the respective governing bodies who will examine the proposal in detail at meetings in September 2014.
“St Mary’s University and Heythrop College are clear that any partnership must be to the benefit of both institutions and for the greater good of Catholic higher education in the UK.
“Further details will be provided once a decision has been made.”