Hopwood Hall Annual Review: College aims to build on 2015/2016 success

Hopwood Hall Annual Review

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Students and staff at Hopwood Hall College welcomed senior figures to celebrate another successful year at the college.

Guests attending the Annual Review included local business leaders, charities, industry professionals and government/council officials, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Ray and Ellaine Dutton.

The college’s Principal Derek O’Toole spoke to attendees about another year of success and the college’s aims in the future, he said: “In April 2015, Hopwood Hall College achieved an overall success rate of 85%, one of the highest FE college success rates across Greater Manchester for the second year running. Among vocational colleges, we’re are also sixth nationally at Key Stage Five and we continue to build on our reputation for innovation and to offer courses that meet learner demand.

“Other achievements include maintaining our outstanding financial performance for the fourtth year running and 92% of college staff being graded as good or outstanding. Everybody involved with the college has a great deal to be proud of.”

The review also featured contributions from our learners, with a showcase from Performing Arts students and guest speeches from both apprentices and learners studying at the college.

Sebastian Johansen-Jones, an apprentice in Management Information Systems at the college, spoke about his experience and the paths he can now follow once his apprenticeship is complete, he said: “In my role in the MIS Department I work on the college’s student timetables, data management and assist the Student and College Services team with enrolments – it’s very busy.

“Post-apprenticeship I’m looking into a number of areas within this field, such as Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology Management for Business, Software Engineering and more. I have already achieved a Level Three qualification as well as my apprenticeship, so I can confidently say I have both the knowledge, and the experience of using it in the real world.

“I’ve really enjoyed the team aspect of work throughout my apprenticeship; I’ve met several great people and I hope that, wherever I do end up, I get to experience that again.”