Welcome to my Principal’s blog

19 May 2010

Colleagues / Partners,

Welcome to the first edition of my Principal’s blog.  It is my intension throughout these postings to clearly set out the vision and ethos of The Oldham College and our contribution to the economy of Oldham and the sub region.  I’ll update you on my current thinking, innovation and developments in the college and more widely. 

I believe firmly in education and training and its role in truly transforming lives; I remain dedicated to creating opportunity for all to regenerate the Oldham borough and grow the sub-regional economy.  Only will this be possible through collaboration and partnership working between all of the key partners. 

The Oldham College have recently independently analysed the socio-economic impact of the college and found that we deliver excellent value to the taxpayer and stakeholder return on investment.  Taxpayers earn a rate of return of 6% from The Oldham College, with the Oldham economy receiving in the region of £57.5 million in added income due to the annual operations of the college and the cumulative effects of the raised earning potential of past and present learners. 

Each posting will focus on an individual area of the college, demonstrating provision, growth, success rates and how the college changes lives.  Today, I will focus on Creative Arts, an Ofsted inspected grade 1 Outstanding area, which has over 660 full time students (total 16-18 year olds in college: 3131) and is growing by over 8% year on year.  85% of students progressed wither to Higher Education or continued on a higher level course at the college.  The department has excellent links with local community groups, including primary schools to build strong links and inter-community working.  The Creative Arts department also have strong links with the BBC and NHS.  The College have recently worked closely with the new Integrated Care Centre, Oldham to develop the wayfinding and signage at the centre and the team are just embarking upon a new sculpture project with the NHS.  

In my next posting I am planning to talk more about my vision for transforming education standards in Oldham through effective partnership working and collaboration which will link into the Waterhead Academy project.

Please feel free to add your comments on this update in the comments section, I would be delighted to hear your thoughts. 

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College Facts

  • The Oldham College holds grade 1, Outstanding status in all inspection areas.  Only matched by 5 other colleges of 14 in the Greater Manchester area
  • The Oldham College provides further education to 62% of 16-18 year olds who choose FE (not including 6th form colleges) in the borough.
  • Over the past 5 years 54,000 full and part time students have attended The Oldham College
  • The college has LSIS Beacon status, only matched by 5 other colleges of 14 in the Greater Manchester area
  • The college has been awarded; Investors in People, Positive about Disabled People, Investors in People Silver Award, AoC Beacon for Equality and Diversity
  • 25% growth in Further Education learners in the past 3 years
  • Participation in learning rose by 5% (between 2002 and 2006)