London and South East University Group Created as UK's First Super-University
The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent completed a legal merger on 1 August 2026, establishing the London and South East University Group (LASE). LASE will operate under a joint governance structure with a chancellor, board and senior executive team, while the two institutions retain their historic names and academic divisions.
The new group will serve more than 50,000 students, making it the third‑largest university consortium in the United Kingdom. Its official launch is set for 7 September 2026, with opening events at the four campuses in Greenwich, Avery Hill, Medway and Canterbury. Professor Jane Harrington, formerly vice‑principal of Greenwich, has been appointed founding vice‑chancellor and CEO.
The merger is framed as a response to mounting financial pressures on UK higher‑education institutions. A parliamentary education select committee warned in May that the sector faces a real risk of institutional insolvency, and the Office for Students has highlighted widespread fiscal strain across universities.
Entities: Jane Harrington · London and South East University Group (LASE) · Office for Students · University of Greenwich · University of Kent
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The merger is presented as a response to financial pressures on UK higher‑education institutions, with a parliamentary education committee warning of possible university closures. (new)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The two original universities will retain their names, degrees, schools and academic identity while sharing a common administration. (new)
- [● 4 SOURCES] LASE’s official launch is scheduled for 7 September 2026 with events at Greenwich, Avery Hill, Medway and Canterbury campuses. (new)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent legally merged on 1 August 2026 to form the London and South East University Group (LASE). (new)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Office for Students has warned that many UK universities face serious financial risk and are operating in a particularly difficult economic environment. (new)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Professor Jane Harrington is the founding vice‑chancellor and CEO of LASE. (new)
- [● 4 SOURCES] LASE will have more than 50,000 students, making it the third‑largest university consortium in the United Kingdom. (new)