David Shuttleworth, the college's external relations manager, explains why the college has been rebranded:

New logo for Petroc College

Why make these changes?

Following the successful merger between North and East Devon Colleges, in 2008, we reach 20,000 learners a year – all over the country – and that number continues to increase. We are a business with a turnover of up to £40 million per year, employing almost 1,200 staff in locations across north, east and mid Devon, as well as north Cornwall. But despite this success, we remain something of a well-kept secret.

The way we present ourselves has been completely out of step with our values, our beliefs and our exciting shared vision of the future.

Our merger made it necessary to address these issues and funds for rebranding were allocated by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

It is a vital part of the process of bringing two colleges together as one organisation and taking us forward as a world class college.

How much is the rebranding project costing?

The rebranding project is still ongoing and due for completion by September 2010. The total budget is £330,000 and the most substantial items of expenditure are yet to come.

This is a major investment in our future but – more importantly – it's an investment in the future of our learners and the communities we serve.

There is much to do. Now that we have launched Petroc, practical implementation, including new signage across the entire College estate, rebranded fleet vehicles, stationery etc… is underway and will take a year to complete.

Could the money have been spent on other things?

Rebranding the College was part of the agreement when North Devon College and East Devon College merged and funds from the LSC were ring-fenced for rebranding.

Why work with Interbrand?

Interbrand delivered the pitch presentation that we felt offered us the best opportunity to develop an outstanding, world class brand and drive forward a world class learner experience.

Why not just keep the existing names, call it 'North Devon College' or use 'NDC'?

The coming together of North Devon College and East Devon College offered opportunities as well as challenges. A new name represented both.

To build something cohesive, with the same values and offering the same opportunities, the merger had to be seen as a meeting of equals.

Which meant both existing names had to go.

Our new name keeps us firmly in touch with our roots in Devon but give us the flexibility to go anywhere and do anything.

Why 'Petroc'?

For our name to have local equity, it had to be generated from our staff and learners.

In a series of language and naming exercises held at our Barnstaple and Tiverton campuses, we explored perceptions of Devon, of the colleges and its people. Around 200 staff and learners generated more than 400 different possible names.

Ultimately, and overwhelmingly, one word – one name – emerged from the workshops: Petroc. It was the name recommended to and agreed by our Governors.

The change of name was formally agreed by the Government on September 1 and takes effect from September 23, 2009.

• Petroc has a rich history and an exciting future.

• the Devon flag is dedicated to St Petroc and the saint has strong historical links to Cornwall and Somerset, too.

• The name Petroc instantly redefines this heritage, transforming it into something contemporary - something timeless.

• Petroc is now, the times we're living in.

• Though ancient in origin, Petroc has the look and sound of a modern word. It could be coined today.

• Having reinvented itself, Petroc is now redefining us.

Isn't 'Petroc' Cornish?

'Petroc' is a Celtic name that has connections with Cornwall but even stronger links with Devon where the county's flag is dedicated to him.

Cornwall's main patron saint is St Piran, whose flag is recognised as the Cornish national symbol.

St Petroc was born in Wales but primarily ministered to the people of sixth century Dumnonia (now Devon, Cornwall and parts of Somerset and Dorset). He is one of Cornwall's patron saints but there are 17 churches dedicated to him in Devon, while there are just five in Cornwall.

What's with the 'TM' symbol after the name?

We have trademarked the name 'Petroc' internationally, to protect our business interests and intellectual property rights.

Is this all about a name and logo?

Far from it. Our new brand is about articulating our values and helping us realise our vision.

With our new name and reinvigorated sense of identity comes a whole new graphic style, with colours drawn from an abstract version of Devon's landscape. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. The guidelines Interbrand have created for us include everything from publication templates and photography styles to our tone of voice.

And this isn't just a marketing or PR exercise – it cuts to the heart of the way our organisation works.

Why keep the name secret until now?

We had to wait for the name to be approved by the Government, then resolve issues around securing our new web domain name, trademark applications and getting new publications and marketing materials produced.

The September 23 launch date was agreed with the Government and gave us time to prepare a launch celebration and simultaneous unveiling of our new identity across both our main campuses.

What happens next?

Our new brand demonstrates our ambition to reposition and raise the profile of our merged college.

North Devon College was recognised as 'outstanding' and Petroc will continue and extend that legacy across all of our sites, with our new brand and – most importantly – our learners at the heart of everything we do.

As we realise our vision of becoming an outstanding college at the heart of an outstanding learning community we will go forward as Petroc:

• developing leading edge facilities

• expanding our curriculum, adding new provision such as the International Baccalaureate and extra degree courses

• working with partners and other stakeholders to deliver the very best in teaching and learning.

As we become Petroc, parts of our organisation will still look like North or East Devon College but the transformation will be complete by September 2010.

How will these changes affect students and staff?

The College has already restructured, following last year's merger. That work is complete and Petroc is all about moving forward as one organisation, with a new look that expresses our outstanding vision, aspirations and success in a bold, exciting and innovative way.