The all-new Worsley College is unveiled by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford

On Saturday 21 April 2018, at a special community event, the former Walkden Campus was renamed Worsley College in honour of the establishment’s long heritage.

The college opened its doors to the local community for their free, fun day event last Saturday. But the occasion also served another purpose, to formally commemorate the renaming of the college, 100-years on from their first opening.

Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Peter Connor, did the honour of unveiling the commemorative plaque with a little help from the current Young Mayor of Salford, Kayleigh Peacock, who is also a hair and beauty student at the college.

Peter said during the unveiling:

“This college has become a landmark and has a good reputation within the community, and local people should make the most of this, including you people here today.”

The college has a long history, having first opened in 1919 as Worsley Technical School. It was then named Worsley Technical College in 1954 when the authorities decided it was solely to provide further education courses. In 1963 the college then became Worsley College of Further Education before Salford College was formed in 1990, and Worsley Campus was born. In 2009 five colleges in Salford merged and Worsley Campus became Walkden Sixth Form Centre, until today.

Kate Rogerson, Head of Worsley College, explained:

“I am aware of the history that this college has of providing educational opportunities for people in the area. This is a special place, we care about our students and our staff, and the community that we serve.

“We have reflected over recent months about how important it is that we represent our community and we have spoken to our students, our staff and the local community about what we should be called.

“Our discussions and our research highlighted that this establishment came into existence almost 100-years ago and we are entering our centenary year.  This was serendipitous, but also felt really right, and we are pleased to announce the renaming of our Walkden Centre to Worsley College, from this day.”

The announcement was met with applause from the local families and businesses who had come down to show their support on the day.

The all-new Worsley College will introduce new courses from September including business, childcare, health and social care, public services, sport, animal care and travel and tourism.

This will be on top of their already impressive vocational provision which includes hair and beauty, hospitality and catering and the Prince’s Trust team programme.