Hopwood Hall College celebrates success of first-ever virtual open day

The start of the 360 campus tour experience

Hopwood Hall College is celebrating the success of its first-ever virtual open event, held on Thursday 21 May.

The event – one of the first of its kind in the country – gave future students a look at college life from the comfort of their own homes using a specially designed website with information on courses and apply for a place.  

Those in attendance had the opportunity to delve into the wide variety of pathways available and speak to tutors who were answering questions through a live chat system during the event. 

It also marked the first opportunity to take a virtual campus tour, including a brand new 360 experience in which people could digitally wander around the two campuses in Rochdale and Middleton. 

This immersive experience gave future students the chance to explore classrooms, workshops, social areas and even catch a glimpse of the meerkats and alpacas homed at the on-site wildlife enclosure.

The pioneering event is Hopwood’s latest venture since it began its ‘virtual leap forward’, following its array of free online courses.

Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, said: “It was great to see so many people looking ahead to a brighter future by taking part in our virtual open event. 

“Those who attended are full of ambition and now have a better understanding of what they can achieve at Hopwood Hall College.

“Our community is clearly still full of goal-driven individuals and we are very excited about meeting them in person when they start their journey with us.”

Ben Slater, a Year 10 pupil from Crompton House School, said: “I hadn’t really given much thought to joining Hopwood Hall College, but it’s certainly an option following the virtual open event.

“I found it to be very welcoming and really liked the huge variety of courses and apprenticeships on offer. I could definitely see myself there in future.”

The virtual tour can still be accessed at:

• https://hopwood-events.bluestorm.design/