Hopwood Hall Annual Review

Hopwood Hall College Principal Derek O'Toole and Liz McInnes MP with students

Students at Hopwood Hall Middleton were joined by senior figures on Friday (12 February) to celebrate a successful year at the college.

The Mayor and Mayoress, Surinder and Cecile Biant, Heywood and Middleton MP Liz McInnes and Rochdale Council CEO Steve Rumbelow were among the audience as students shared their success stories and performed a special show, before joining together for a celebratory lunch.

Three students shared their success stories, which they said wouldn’t have been the same without the support of Hopwood Hall.

Holly Espie is studying to be a teacher due the inspiration she got from her college tutors. She said: “Because of the teachers here and the support I got, I know that got the best grades that I could possibly have gotten.

“I am now studying further education and doing my PGCE, and it is down to the encouragement and support of those who helped me at Hopwood Hall College.”

College Principal Derek O’Toole said: “The real strength of this college lies in its people, and what people we have. Our governors, our staff and out students all of whom I thank for their contributions to our success this year.

“The year has presented many challenges for the college and the sector in which we operate, however I am delighted to say that we have responded to these challenges with vigour and aplomb.

“By 2020, we are aiming for Hopwood Hall College to become the country’s most enterprising community college, focusing on collaboration and innovation."

Chairman of Governors, Councillor Robert Clegg said: “I take my hat off to Derek for the hard work he has put into this college, and for the success seen here day in, day out.

“This has been yet another very successful year for Hopwood Hall College – we are one of the best in the North West if not in the country, with 91% of staff rated as good or outstanding.”

Liz McInnes MP said: “I was actually a student at Hopwood Hall, over at the Rochdale campus, and I know what a wonderful college it is.

“Hopwood Hall should be proud of its achievements and it is doing a great job at serving the people of Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale and even beyond.”